Chapter 60 *
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Ms. Wilson added, “We’ve checked with the exam proctors. You were in the room during all tests. No phone, no notes, no cheating devices.”
“We even contacted the IT department,” Mr. Davis said. “Verified there were no system errors, no grade changes, nothing unusual in the digital
records.”
I waited. Let them say it.
“So my scores are real?” I asked.
Mr. Davis let out a breath. “Oh, they’re real. We just don’t understand how
Perfect. They’ve done all the verification for me.
Mrs. Peterson leaned forward. “We’re not accusing you of cheating, Aria. I want to make that clear.”
Ms. Wilson nodded. “The work is clearly yours. The progression in your homework shows genuine understanding, not memorized answers.
You’re not just getting things right, you’re showing deep comprehension.”
Mr. Davis pulled up a chair. “But we need to understand what happened. This kind of transformation doesn’t just occur naturally.”
Ms. Rodriguez closed the folder. “For your sake, and frankly, for our own peace of mind, we need an explanation.”
Here’s my chance. They’re giving me an out.
I took a breath. “I think it’s related to my concussion.”
The teachers exchanged glances.
Ms. Wilson frowned. “The one from a month ago? When you jumped off the third floor?*
“Yes,” I said. “After I recovered, things just changed.*
Mr. Davis moved closer. “Changed how? Be specific.”
“It’s hard to explain,” I said slowly. “But concepts that never made sense before suddenly clicked. When I look at a math problem now, I can see
the solution path immediately. When I read literature, I understand layers I never noticed before.”
I met Ms. Rodriguez’s eyes.
“It’s like my brain rewired itself.”
Mrs. Peterson sat up straighter. ‘I’ve heard of acquired savant syndrome. It’s a real documented phenomenon.”
“Extremely rare,” Mr. Davis said. “But yes, documented in medical literatu. Brain trauma that results in enhanced cognitive abilities.”
Mr. Reed looked skeptical. “Could a concussion really cause this kind of comprehensive cognitive enhancement? Across all subjects?”
Ms. Rodriguez turned to her computer, typing quickly. “There are cases in medical literature. Let me pull up some references.”
She scrolled through several articles.
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Chapter 60*
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“Usually, brain trauma causes impairment,” she said, reading. “But occasionally, very rarely, it can result in unexpected abilities. Enhanced memory, mathematical skills, artistic talent.”
Ms. Wilson shook her head in wonder. “It’s like turning the brain off and on again, and it comes back better?”
They’re convincing themselves. This is going better than I hoped.
Ms. Rodriguez looked up from her computer. “Aria, have you seen a neurologist about this?”
“I had follow-up appointments after the concussion,” I said. “They cleared me to return to school.”
“But did you mention the cognitive changes to them?”
I lied smoothly. “They did some tests. Said my brain function was unusual but not concerning. No signs of ongoing damage.”
Mr. Davis whistled low. “Fascinating. And terrifying. The human brain is still so mysterious.”
Mrs. Peterson smiled. “Well, regardless of the cause, congratulations. This is remarkable.”
Ms. Wilson nodded. “Your work is genuinely impressive, Aria. Whatever happened, you’ve earned these grades.”
They bought it.
Ms. Rodriguez closed her laptop. “Alright, Aria. You’re free to go.”
I started to stand, but she held up a hand.
“But if you experience any issues, headaches, confusion, memory problems, anything unusual, please let us know immediately. We’ll make sure you get proper medical attention.”
“I will,” I said. “Thank you for understanding.”
I picked up my bag and headed for the door.
“Oh, and Aria?”
I turned back. Mrs. Peterson was smiling.
“Yes?”
“Keep up the good work. We’re all very proud of you.”
The other teachers nodded in agreement. Even Mr. Davis, who’d been the most skeptical, looked impressed.
I smiled back. Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
I walked out of the office and closed the door behind me.
First hurdle cleared. Now for the students.
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Chapter 60*
The hallway was mostly empty Classes were still im session
I headed toward my locker, my mind already planning the next steps
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By the time I got to English 9 the atmosphere in the dissom was this with it. I pushed open the door and every head turned to look at me
at once.
Complete silence.
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