I clapped both hands over my mouth.
Owen stared at his brother.
Eli stared back.
And then they were laughing, hugging each other so fiercely that their contestant badges tangled together.
“Mom!” Owen shouted.
I couldn't speak.
I could only reach for them.
Professor Whitcomb continued announcing their achievements, but his words blurred beneath the roar of applause.
My boys.
My beautiful, stubborn, brilliant boys.
The children who had learned to solder wires beneath our kitchen lamp.
The children who had worried about the cost of school lunches.
The children whose father hadn't recognized them that morning.
They had just become state champions.
The boys embraced me before running toward the stage.
I watched them climb the steps together.
They were taller than I'd realized.
Somewhere between the science fairs and the late-night homework sessions, they had become young men.
Professor Whitcomb placed gold medals around their necks.
A camera flashed.
