Amara ran her fingers over the sleek device, genuinely touched by the gesture. "This is incredible, Sammy. Thank you."
"It will improve your navigational efficiency by approximately 37.8%."
Amara hesitated, then handed it back. "I appreciate this more than you know, but I already see more than you think."
Sammy tilted his head, studying her with newfound curiosity. "Fascinating," he murmured before walking away, lost in thought.
During lunch, Yasmin slid into the seat beside Amara, her voice low and urgent. "I overheard Brent talking to some guys in chemistry. They're planning something for the assembly tomorrow. Some kind of humiliation stunt involving you."
"What kind of stunt?" Amara asked, continuing to eat her apple with apparent unconcern.
"Something about fake Braille cards and getting you on stage under false pretenses. I couldn't hear everything."
Amara nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for telling me."
"Aren't you worried? Maybe we should tell Principal Weston."
"And have him do what, exactly? Give Chase a stern talking-to while his father threatens to withdraw his donation to the new science wing?" Amara's voice held no bitterness, just a realistic assessment of the situation. "No, sometimes you have to handle things yourself."
The all-school assembly the next day was mandatory, officially to discuss academic achievements, but really to showcase donor-funded improvements to the campus. Amara sat with Yasmin and Sammy near the back of the auditorium.
Halfway through the principal's speech, Ms. Eldridge approached Amara with an overly bright smile. "Amara, dear, you've been selected to read a special message to the student body. We have it prepared in Braille for you."
Amara could hear Chase and his friends snickering several rows away. The trap was obvious.
"That's very kind," she said, standing smoothly. "Lead the way."
As she walked to the stage, guided by Ms. Eldridge, whispers rippled through the audience. She could feel hundreds of eyes on her, waiting for the spectacle.