The hours after

Yes, it is behind us. The finals have been, I am back home. It has been, it was fun. It was such an experience. But the thought that I can rest now is too enthousiastic.
Why? Because at this moment I have to at least tell YOU about this day.

I experienced today with the thought in mind that my essay was too simple, comparing to the others. I knew that it just wouldn't be good enough. I was really happy that I achieved to be on the Shortlist, and was okay with the fact that that was it. While discussing my essay on stage, they complimented me on my 'experimental language' and my introduction that caught attention. So I was grateful for those compliments, it gave me some confidence. In the little break between that and the prize giving, I thought that if I even had a chance of winning something it would be the Audience Award, because people had told me my essay 'just read easily'. And I might be having the smallest chance of being the Runner-up. But that was all.
Then, the prize giving. Audience Award: Sanne de Boer, she deserved it, she was amazing. Runner up: Wim van den Berg, also deserved it absolutely. Now I knew that this was it. I did not win anything. I was disappointed, but it was okay, I was with the ten best!
So, that was my story about the finals.

Really?

No. There is more. The winner would be announced. Paul Arkwright (the British Ambassador, he presented the prizes) started about 'her' essay, so we all knew it was a girl. Then he went on, he told something about the essay. He talked about an introduction. In my head it went: No, this can't be true. It cán't! But he went on about 'experimental language'. Butterflies were flying harder in my stomach. Rebecca started to pinch my hand harder and harder. Then mr. Arkwright came to the point were he said: "And the winner of this years Young Writers Award is... Renate den Bak!"
It was true. I won.
I was so surprised, still am actually. I cannot believe it, I will be going to England! It still does not feel like it really happened at all.

But it did. And I am grateful for everything the BBC Awards brought me. And I am really thankful that I could experience everything with Rebecca. Thank you, it was amazing!