In the bustling corridors of Westbrook High, Natalie was a shadow. She moved through the throngs of students with a practiced ease, slipping past conversations and laughter like a ghost. Her sanctuary was the back corner of the classroom, where she could observe without being seen. Natalie was a mystery to her classmates. She never raised her hand, never volunteered for group projects, and always seemed to be lost in her own world. But those who paid attention knew she was brilliant. Her test scores were always at the top, and her essays were masterpieces of insight and eloquence.

Despite her intelligence, Natalie preferred solitude. She found comfort in the quiet of the library, where she could lose herself in books and ideas. The noise and chaos of social interactions drained her, and she avoided them whenever possible. Teachers often tried to engage her, to draw her out of her shell, but Natalie remained distant. She wasn’t unfriendly, just… reserved. She had a small circle of friends who understood her need for space and respected it.

One day, during a particularly challenging math class, the teacher posed a problem that stumped everyone. The room was silent, students staring blankly at their notebooks. Natalie, who had been doodling in the margins of her paper, glanced at the problem and saw the solution immediately. She hesitated, then slowly raised her hand. The teacher’s eyes widened in surprise. “Yes, Natalie?” She stood, her voice barely above a whisper. “The answer is 42.” The teacher smiled. “Correct. Would you like to explain how you got there?” Natalie slowly shakes her head no and sits back down.