Parents.. with different treatment

Awarding day

It was the end of the school year, and the school auditorium buzzed with excitement as parents, teachers, and students gathered for the awards ceremony. The stage was set with a banner that read, "End of Year Honors Ceremony," and rows of chairs were filled with proud families eagerly waiting to see their children recognized for their hard work.

Xander sat quietly in the front row, his feet barely touching the ground as he clutched a certificate in his lap. He had done it. He had worked hard all year, and now it was time for him to be recognized. He had earned the highest honor in his class, consistently getting A++ grades and coming out as the top student. Despite his natural shyness, Xander felt a small sense of pride bubbling inside him. It was a big deal—*he* was a big deal today.

In the row behind him, Xavier sat with Colby and Valerie. Xavier, now five, had also done well in school and was getting an honor of his own. He had been lively all year, making friends and impressing his teachers with his energy and curiosity. Although Xavier wasn't at the top of his class, his honor was still something to be proud of, and he was bouncing with excitement.

"Mommy, when are they going to call my name?" Xavier asked, tugging at Valerie's sleeve.

"Soon, sweetie," Valerie said with a warm smile, glancing over at Xander, who sat quietly, lost in his thoughts. She could see how much this moment meant to him, even if he wasn't as expressive as his brother.

Colby, sitting beside Xavier, had his phone out, ready to capture the moment. "I can't wait to get a picture of you two with your awards," he said, glancing at Xavier with a grin.

As the ceremony began, names were called one by one, and proud students went up to the stage to receive their certificates. Xavier's turn came, and he jumped up from his seat, practically sprinting to the stage when his name was announced.

"Xavier Brock, honor student in Kinder 1!"

The audience clapped politely as Xavier received his certificate. His teacher handed it to him with a smile, and Xavier waved to the crowd, looking over at Colby and Valerie with pride. Colby clapped loudly, cheering for his youngest son.

"Way to go, buddy!" Colby shouted, his voice full of excitement.

Xavier beamed as he came back down the stage, clutching his certificate. He sat back down beside Colby, bouncing in his seat with joy. "Daddy, did you see? I got my certificate!" he exclaimed.

Colby ruffled Xavier's hair. "I sure did, buddy. You did great."

As the ceremony continued, Xander's name was called next, but the announcement was different—this wasn't just an honor. This was the highest honor.

"And now, for the top student of the first grade, who has earned A++ in every subject and has maintained the highest academic performance all year... Xander Brock!"

There was a moment of stunned silence before the auditorium erupted into applause. Xander, feeling a little nervous, stood up slowly and made his way to the stage. His heart raced as he climbed the steps, but when he saw the proud smiles from his teachers and the audience, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Xander's teacher handed him his award, a certificate of excellence, along with a small trophy for being the top student in his grade. "We are so proud of you, Xander," his teacher said warmly. "You've worked incredibly hard, and you deserve this."

Xander nodded shyly, gripping the certificate and the trophy as he turned to face the audience. He spotted Valerie smiling up at him, and even Colby was standing, clapping with pride. For a moment, everything felt perfect—he had achieved something remarkable, something that no one could ignore.

As Xander returned to his seat, he could hear Xavier's excited voice behind him. "Xander, you got a trophy!" Xavier said, wide-eyed. "That's so cool!"

Colby leaned down, looking at Xander with pride. "You did amazing, Xander. Top of the class, huh? I'm so proud of you."

Xander glanced up at his dad, a soft smile on his face. "Thanks, Daddy," he said quietly, feeling the warmth of his father's approval for once. It was a moment he had longed for—a moment where he didn't feel overshadowed or invisible.

After the ceremony, the boys gathered with their parents for pictures. Valerie insisted on capturing every moment, making sure to get a photo of both Xander and Xavier holding their awards.

"Alright, Xander, hold up your trophy nice and high!" Valerie said, positioning the camera. Xander lifted his trophy proudly, standing a little taller.

Colby crouched down between the two boys, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm so proud of both of you," he said, his voice full of warmth. "You guys did awesome today."

Xander's heart swelled at his father's words. For the first time in a long while, he felt seen, appreciated, and loved. It wasn't just about being the top student or getting the highest honor—it was about feeling valued, knowing that his hard work mattered to the people he loved.

As they left the school, the boys chatted excitedly about their day, comparing their certificates and talking about the summer ahead. Xavier was still full of energy, bouncing with excitement, but Xander, for once, didn't mind. He was happy—truly happy—and as they walked to the car, holding his trophy tightly, he knew that this day was one he would remember forever.

Valerie squeezed Xander's hand as they walked. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart," she said softly. "You worked so hard, and it paid off."

Xander smiled up at her, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Mommy," he said quietly.

As they drove home, with the boys chattering in the backseat, Xander stared out the window, feeling content. For once, he wasn't overshadowed. Today had been *his* day, and for that, he was grateful.