Chapter 45 - Back at Westbrook
Monday morning felt almost unfamiliar.
The robotics team's trophy stood inside a glass display case near the main entrance.
For once, students gathered there not because of gossip, but because of achievement.
Freshmen pointed excitedly toward photographs from the competition.
Teachers congratulated the team as classes began.
Alex appreciated the recognition.
But he was happiest when the robotics lab door opened.
The familiar smell of machine oil, solder, and freshly cut aluminum immediately made the room feel like home.
Emma placed the trophy on a shelf.
"It looks smaller in here."
Coach Daniels smiled.
"That's because this room is already full of bigger ideas."
The team laughed.
Before anyone could begin celebrating further, Superintendent Grant arrived carrying several folders.
"I brought something."
She spread architectural drawings across the main table.
The district planned to renovate every campus makerspace over the next two years.
"We want student input before construction begins."
Alex studied the plans carefully.
"The workbenches are too high."
Another student pointed toward electrical outlets.
"They're all on one wall."
Emma circled the storage cabinets.
"People using wheelchairs won't be able to reach these."
Grant wrote every suggestion down.
Exactly as she had promised.
No defensiveness.
No excuses.
Only questions.
Watching the discussion, Principal Harris quietly reflected on how much had changed in only a few weeks.
Students who once believed their voices didn't matter were now helping design future classrooms.
It wasn't the end of the school's work.
Perhaps it was the beginning.
As Grant packed the drawings away, her phone vibrated.
Another update from Investigator Bennett.
The anonymous account had been traced one step further.
Not to a person.
May you like
To a public wireless network located less than three miles from Westbrook High.
---
