Participation Trophy Novels & Stories

POV: Blake --- The trophy was lighter than he expected. Not in the metaphorical sense. Physically. The actual base was some sleek composite, and the whole thing barely weighed more than his tablet. After all the blood and breakdowns, Blake thought the win would come with more… heft. But there it sat on the table. Glossy. Silent. Gleaming beneath the soft light of Ave’s desk lamp. They’d won. Officially. Top prize. Top team.

But when I glanced toward the dumpster only a few feet away, my fingers tightened around them protectively, unable to give them up. An ironic snort left me. I guess they were my consolation prize. A consolation prize for the consolation prize. Jesus, this was pathetic. I didn’t want to hurt like this, didn’t want to keep replaying it over and over in my head, didn’t want to stick around out here, stuck in my own pity party.

Grace enlivens the conversation. Even to brood bitterly Alfred's friends did not give him the opportunity. The school brought home two trophies. First for the second title from squad one and one more trophy for the best MC category also offered by squad one. But this is not the best achievement in the entire history of the school marching. Last year when they were juniors, the upperclassmen at the same race competition brought many trophies from various categories. But the best is the trophy for the title as overall champion. “It's okay, don't feel guilty. No one will blame you either." Harry also gave a word of encouragement to the other two squad members. Especially Debbie.