Sir Tomas's Very Big Day

Tomas was being knighted today.

He was six.

The knighting ceremony for the youth section was a short ceremony. The Queen took it seriously, but it took only about five minutes per child, and the only test was whether you could bow properly without falling over.

Tomas had been practising the bow for three weeks.

His mama had drawn an X on the floor where his right foot should land. His papa had timed his bows with a small clock. His grandmother had said, "Tomas, you are going to be the best knight in the kingdom," and his sister Mara had said, "He is going to fall over."

This morning, Tomas was wearing his small ceremonial coat. It had silver buttons. It had a stiff collar. It made him look very official.

"Are you nervous?" asked Mara.

"No," said Tomas, who was very nervous.

"You'll fall over," said Mara.

"Mara, please," said their mama.

Tomas practised one more bow in the kitchen. He did not fall over. He was, very quietly, proud.

They walked to the great hall together. Tomas held his papa's hand all the way.