2nd

Unexpected.

Despite his stellar performance last year, nothing was given away during the last parent-teacher-meeting.  No ranking or comparison of any sorts. We only knew his results.

Three months later.... one day last week..... he came back with a card from school. 

The annual award ceremony.  He was 2nd for class 2012. 

WOW! That's my boy!  We beamed with pride. 

The boy? He just doesn't want to go onto the stage. There was no other visible emotion. I reckon the school's planned celebration is too distant from the achievement. He has already forgotten how triumphant he felt. 

But I am still going to wear a pretty dress, even if all that I will be doing is sitting amongst the audience clapping away.