“They’re wonderful.

They have friends, fears, difficult homework, favorite meals, and futures they’ve earned.

They’re not a mystery for you to solve in a hallway.”

A young event coordinator approached to collect the winners for photographs.

Sophie picked up her rabbit-shaped keychain from the bench; Chloe adjusted her sister’s medal.

Marianne leaned in to smooth a stray hair from each girl’s forehead.

They walked away together, leaving me with the harsh ceiling lights and the sound of my own breathing.