perseverance
— A Mars colonist on the verge of quitting discovers microbial life when his resignation form accidentally hits the wrong target, triggering a life detector.
— An aspiring ballerina practices relentlessly for a Nutcracker audition but isn't chosen, only to be called in as an understudy when another dancer falls ill.
— A young gymnast fails to complete her back walkover during competition but returns to the empty gym afterward and finally succeeds, finding meaning in the unwitnessed achievement.
— A young musician struggles with a trombone, from its mysterious case through spit-clogged frustration to the moment when instrument and player finally connect.
— A basketball player misses shots on a worn court, the ball landing in mud, but persists until finally hearing the satisfying swish.
— A young pianist reflects on why she continues despite the tedium of practice, finding meaning in performance, emotional expression, and connecting with elderly audiences.