That evening, Chase, Logan, and Brent gathered in Chase's expansive bedroom, the walls adorned with sports trophies and framed photos of his family with various politicians and celebrities.
"We need to settle this once and for all," Chase declared. "The girl is faking, and I'm going to prove it."
"How?" Logan asked, sprawled on Chase's leather couch.
"A test." Chase's smile was cold. "Something that would terrify any blind person, but wouldn't phase someone who can actually see."
"Like what?" Brent asked wearily.
"A mugging," Chase announced. "Fake, obviously. We wear masks, jump her near the park after she leaves that strip mall she goes to every Tuesday. If she's really blind, she'll be scared, call for help. If she's faking—"
"This is insane," Brent protested. "That's assault."
"Only if we actually touch her," Chase argued. "We just surround her, demand her money, see how she reacts."
Logan grinned. "I'm in."
Brent looked between them, then reluctantly nodded. "Fine. But no touching, and we bail at the first sign of trouble."
The following Tuesday, Amara finished her training session at Park's Dojo later than usual. The sky had darkened and streetlights illuminated her path as she made her way toward the bus stop. Her cane tapped rhythmically against the sidewalk, though she hardly needed it in this familiar territory.
As she passed the small park that separated the strip mall from the residential area, she heard it: the subtle shuffle of feet trying to move quietly, the controlled breathing of people attempting to remain undetected—three distinct patterns, familiar even through their attempts at disguise.
She continued walking, giving no indication that she had noticed anything unusual. When the footsteps quickened behind her, she allowed herself a small, private smile.
"Hey," a voice called out, artificially deepened. "Stop right there."
Amara paused, turning her head slightly. Three masked figures emerged from the shadows, surrounding her in a loose triangle. Chase, directly in front of her, wore a ski mask and had lowered his voice to a growl.