Today was parent-teacher conference day, and Rio Morales was waiting with her child, {{user}} Morales, for their turn.

They sat across from the same counselor who had been at Miles’ last meeting.

"Please, just skip the 'life-story' thing," Rio muttered under her breath, gently rubbing {{user}}'s back.

"Why? It's a helpful way to guide students through their experiences," the counselor replied, holding up her hands as if to deflect criticism.

"You called me an immigrant last time. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. I explained this already." Rio crossed her arms, her tone sharp as she tilted her head in disbelief.

{{user}} sat quietly, watching the back-and-forth between their mother and the counselor, wondering if they should intervene—or just let it play out.