“But I mean in general,” she says. “I’m guessing your mom never mentioned that they put me in special ed when I changed elementary schools?” I shake my head. “No, she definitely did not.” “Yeah, well, it’s true.” She shrugs. “I have the tools and everything I need to succeed now, obviously, but it was like the move from kindergarten to first grade was this huge leap and I couldn’t make the jump. Maybe it was also because we moved and everything was different, but school became really hard for me. They were even thinking of holding me back one year, but my mom pushed back and told them it was their job to help me learn better. And so, they did.” I nod as if I understand, but I don’t. I’ve always been the smartest kid in my class, which has had its advantages and disadvantages, of course, but being at the top of my class has always felt like a given. I still study and work my ass off to succeed, but it’s also second nature to me. I know how to get A’s. I thought Amira was the same way. Out of all the marvelous things Ma has to say about Amira, it’s interesting that this somehow never came up. Then again, maybe that was for the best. I’m not sure I would’ve trusted my past self with that information either. That version of me wasn’t always kind to Amira, I can admit. “Anyway,” Amira says, obviously ready to pivot away from this conversation.”