Chapter 5: The Truth Revealed

"Everyone, this meeting was called on short notice, but it’s important. You all know our grade organized a donation drive, and many students contributed. It’s thanks to everyone’s help that Marcus was able to recover."

The advisor smiled and led Marcus onto the stage, patting his shoulder. Marcus’s eyes were red as he bowed over and over. Students clapped him on the back as he walked by.

"Thank you… thank you all…" His voice cracked over the mic. The gratitude in every word hit home.

Marcus’s parents came, hair graying, dabbing at their eyes with crumpled Starbucks napkins. Their bodies trembled as they looked out at the crowd, nodding thanks.

Even the rowdy guys from the baseball team were silent. Sniffles echoed through the room.

"Of course, in this donation drive, we especially want to recognize one student."

The advisor’s voice rang out. Everyone turned to Natalie, eyes shining with admiration.

Natalie looked a little shy, but made her way to the podium, friends squeezing her hand. She took the mic, her voice gentle but sure.

"If you’re struggling, keep your dignity; if you can help, do what you can. Even though I’m not well-off, I’m happy to give what I can and glad to help others. And this wasn’t just my achievement—it was everyone’s. This honor should be shared."

She held up the framed certificate the college gave her, hands trembling just a little. For a second, it felt like the last few weeks had finally lifted off her shoulders.

The dean and teachers were first to clap, starting a standing ovation that swept through the room. Cheers echoed down the hallways.

Natalie glanced at me, lips pressed together. "I know I shouldn’t bring this up, but as a class officer, I want to say that since the students have given us responsibility, we should set an example and be worthy of everyone’s trust. Especially for positions involving money, you can’t let greed hurt the group. They say time reveals people’s true colors. This whole thing has made me see someone clearly. Now I only hope the person who did wrong gets the consequences they deserve. After all, Marcus almost… because of her…"

She didn’t say my name, but everyone knew. I stared at the floor, fists clenched in my lap.

Voices of disgust rose, but the advisor raised his hand for quiet. "Having talked about the positive side of this, next…"

Before he could finish, I stood up. The chair legs scraped across the floor—loud and sharp. Every head turned.

My voice rang out: "You all want answers? Fine. Here’s the account book. Let’s see who’s really been paying attention."