The boy, still feeling the sting of injustice, slumped deeper into his seat. He glanced out the window, trying to distract himself from the embarrassment and frustration swirling inside him.

But then, the principal spoke again, this time louder and clearer for the entire class to hear.

“Class, I want you to meet Mrs. Collins and her son, Jake. They’re here to tell you about something very important that happened this morning.”

Mrs. Collins stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on the boy. She smiled warmly, her gratitude palpable.

“Everyone,” she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion, “this morning, your classmate did something truly heroic. My son, Jake, was accidentally left in the car as I rushed to an emergency. It was a mistake, one that I’m deeply regretful for. But your classmate,” she nodded towards the boy, “saw Jake and took immediate action to help him. He broke the car window and saved my son’s life.”