Chapter 3
He pulls the letter out, almost in awe of it. Several minutes pass before he can bring himself to read the writing in front of him. His hand begins to shake.
"What does it say?" His father asks impatiently. When Vince doesn't reply, he asks again. "What does it say?"
He slides the paper wordlessly across the table. Picking it up, his father begins to read.
King Edward VII School For Boys
Quod datum óptimum sit cognitionem
Dear Mr Noir,
As a result of your outstanding marks in our entrance exam, you have been granted admission to King Edward VII School For Boys. Please fill out the enclosed forms and return them no later than August 1st. Enclosed, you will also find a list of all necessary books and equipment. We look forward to welcoming you into our community on the second of September.
"You did it!"
"Yeah." Vince says, looking a little confused.
"Aren't you pleased?"
"I…sort of. It's not quite real yet, you know? It's sort of like a dream."
"Well, it's real. Right here, in black and white." There's a long pause.
"I did it." Vince says quietly, a smile beginning to spread across his face. "I did it!"
"Yeah, you did!" They laugh, real, can't breathe properly laughter.
Vince smiles. "I did it!" He says quietly to himself. "I really did it!"