When Victory Went Silent
Evan couldn’t stop smiling. Even as he walked away from school, weaving through students and noise and leftover excitement from the competition, there was still this quiet happiness sitting in his chest. The day had been long. Loud. Full. But somehow, it didn’t feel exhausting. It felt… right. He adjusted his grip on the trophy in his hand. Not the team one. That one was left behind with the school for display. This one— This one was his. Highest scorer. He glanced at it again, almost like he still couldn’t believe it. A small laugh escaped him. “Mom is going to freak out…” He stepped onto the road, heading toward the bus stop. Then suddenly— Bethany’s voice replayed in his head. “I’m proud of you.” He smiled again. Soft this time. Different. Then his smile faded sli
- Writer
