Page 135 - EarthAngelsMatos

NICHOLAS BOOTHMAN
Chapter 21:
The Great Debate
The lights dimmed, and the anticipation was
palpable. The big night had finally arrived, and
Cassidy Cox, the principal, took the stage with
confidence and poise. "Welcome, everyone," she began,
her voice echoing through the auditorium. "Tonight,
six students will present their arguments on the age-
old question: to talk to strangers or not to talk to
strangers?"
The audience murmured, and the students took
their seats on stage, their faces set with determination.
Cassidy Cox introduced them one by one, and they
stood up, smiling nervously. Eric Hogan, the guest
speaker, took his seat at the end of the row, his eyes
scanning the audience.
Cassidy Cox returned to the podium, surveying the
crowd with a keen eye. "We want you to decide, when
you leave here tonight, do we speak up or shut up
when it comes to meeting strangers?" she asked, her
135