Chapter 14
Patrick’s old trophy from the sabotaged race stayed in the yacht club office.
For a year.
Then the club wanted to throw it away.
I asked Patrick.
His decision.
He stared at it.
“No.”
“Keep?”
“No.”
“What then?”
He thought.
“Take name off.”
Interesting.
The plaque had PATRICK HAYES — FIRST PLACE.
We removed it.
The blank trophy became a teaching prop for race staff.
Not displayed publicly.
Used during training.
A reminder that finishing first and winning fairly are not the same thing.
Patrick liked that.
Simon did not care.
He was busy building another boat.
This one with two masts because apparently one mast was too sensible.
I helped.
He did more work himself now.
The hull was uneven.
I left it.
One evening he asked:
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“If Patrick beats me next time, real?”
“If nobody cheats.”
“And if I cry?”
“You cry.”
“And still race?”
“If you want.”
He nodded.
That was strength.
Not never losing.
Not pretending pain is weakness.
May you like
Just not letting a result decide your worth.
I wished someone had taught our fathers.
