The chemistry lab buzzed with activity as students paired off for the day's experiment. Amara worked with Yasmin, her fingers expertly identifying the equipment by touch and shape.
"Add 15 mL of the sodium hydroxide solution," Yasmin read from the instructions.
Amara carefully measured the liquid, her movements precise and confident.
Across the room, Chase watched her with narrowed eyes. "Today's the day we prove she's faking," he whispered to Brent, who looked increasingly uncomfortable with their escalating vendetta.
"I don't know, man. What if she's just good at being blind?"
Chase scoffed. "Nobody's that good. Blind people can't dodge balls they can't see or climb trees in the dark."
Their whispered conversation was interrupted by Mr. Parker, the science teacher: "Less talking, more titrating, gentlemen."
As the class progressed, Brent positioned himself near the supply cabinet, waiting until Mr. Parker stepped out to help a student in the hallway. With a quick glance to ensure no one was watching, he bumped into a shelf, sending a beaker of clear liquid tipping toward Amara and Yasmin's workstation.
The chemical spill happened quickly: the beaker tipped, and the liquid splashed outward in an arc toward the girls. Amara's head tilted slightly at the sound of sloshing liquid. In one fluid motion, she extended her cane, redirecting the spill away from Yasmin and herself. The liquid splashed harmlessly onto the floor instead of onto them.
Mr. Parker rushed back in at the commotion. "What happened?"
"Chemical spill, sir," another student reported. "But Amara stopped it with her cane."
Mr. Parker looked at Amara with surprise. "That was remarkable reaction time, Ms. James. Well done."
Yasmin squeezed Amara's arm. "Thanks. That would have ruined my favorite sweater at the very least."
Amara shrugged casually. "I heard it falling."
Across the room, Chase and Brent exchanged looks. "Heard it?" Brent whispered. "Before it even spilled?"