I looked at Mr. Reed.
“You absolutely should have.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I handled that call badly.”
Officer Rogers smiled.
“Mr. Reed told me what Ariel did. Part of my work involves recognizing students for unusual acts of kindness.”
I blinked.
“This is about the glasses?”
“Yes.”
“So Ariel isn’t in trouble.”
“Not remotely.”
I pressed one hand against my chest.
“You people took five years off my life.”
Mr. Reed actually looked ashamed.
Then he said, “We’d like to nominate Ariel for a community recognition.”
I looked at my daughter.
“Did you hear that?”
Ariel shrugged.
“I heard.”
Mr. Reed
smiled.
“She’s very modest.”
“She’s very Ariel.”
Mrs. Grunwald gave a small smile at that.
Pride rushed through me. Ariel had finally been noticed.
Mr. Reed folded his hands.



