“In second place, from Lakeside Day School, Marcus Cole,” the director said.

More clapping followed as a tall boy jogged up the steps.

Vanessa sat perfectly rigid in her front-row seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Daniel stayed standing in the aisle, his hands hanging uselessly at his sides.

He watched the stage without blinking, completely ignoring his new wife and son.

“And your new state champions, with a perfect score in the final bracket,” the director said.

“This was the most difficult testing module our committee has designed in ten years.”