Chapter 3

"'Captivated me,'" Mr. Davies repeated, stepping forward as if he'd caught the first piece of damning evidence. He tapped the lectern.

"Students, parents, do you see? This is precisely the kind of distraction I'm talking about. 'Captivated.' Instead of focusing on their own studies, their own responsibilities, this individual is... captivated."

He paused for effect.

"My own son, Ethan," Mr. Davies continued, his voice swelling with pride, "is a testament to focus. Captain of the swim team, breaking school records. A straight-A student, a mathlete who brings home trophies. Why? Because his mind isn't 'captivated' by frivolous things. He is dedicated. He is disciplined."

I wanted to laugh. Or scream. The irony was a physical weight in my chest.

"You should all strive to be more like Ethan," he declared, then turned his sharp gaze on me. "Especially you, Sarah. You have potential. Don't let these... things... derail you. Continue reading."

I swallowed hard. "I... I've admired your quiet strength, the way you never give up, even when things are tough. You make me want to be a better version of myself."

Another interruption from Mr. Davies.

"'Make me want to be a better version of myself,'" he scoffed. "Sentimental drivel. True self-improvement comes from hard work and dedication to one's goals, not from pining after classmates."

He paced a little, warming to his theme.

"Look at Ethan. He doesn't need anyone else to motivate him. His drive comes from within. That's the mark of a future leader, a successful individual."

My fingers tightened on the paper. He had no idea. No clue that the son he was lionizing was the very person pouring out these "sentimental" words.

He was publicly praising Ethan for qualities that, according to this letter, Ethan himself felt were inspired by... me.

"This writer," Mr. Davies said, his voice dripping with disdain, "is clearly immature. Wasting time on flowery words instead of concrete actions. This is not how responsible young adults behave."

I felt a surge of anger on Ethan's behalf. This wasn't fair. The letter was heartfelt, not foolish.