Better late than never

A couple of days ago, The Mothership and I had a brief exchange.

"Christine, I just realised you actually did quite well for your O Levels!"

-Stares- "Thanks. You only just realised that now?"

"Well, I didn't really look at your grades then; I just saw it in the rough paper stack."

"Would've been more meaningful if you had recognised this back then. Y'know, when the 16 year old me could've done with a pat on the shoulder."

-Smiles- "Good job!"