The school auditorium was filled with a polite, restrained energy typical of academic award ceremonies. Zaid sat in the audience, feeling a mix of boredom and pride. He was there for one reason: Bassam.
When the category for "Visual Arts" was announced, Zaid straightened up. The presenter listed off the third and second-place winners to polite applause. Then, he cleared his throat. "And the first-place prize, for his stunningly detailed and emotionally resonant charcoal series, 'Portraits of Silence,' goes to... Bassam Al-Jafari."
A genuine smile spread across Zaid's face as he clapped loudly, a stark contrast to the reserved applause around him. Bassam walked to the stage, accepting the certificate and a small trophy with his usual quiet dignity, offering only a slight, formal bow to th
