The afternoon bell had just rung as students poured out of the school building.
Laughter echoed through the courtyard while teenagers hurried toward the front gates.
Among them was sixteen-year-old Ava, carefully making her way down a long concrete staircase.
She walked confidently despite wearing a prosthetic leg.
Clutched tightly against her chest was a small envelope filled with old photographs she treasured more than anything.
Suddenly, her foot slipped.
She lost her balance.
Before anyone could reach her, she tumbled down the stairs.
A loud crash echoed across the courtyard.
Students gasped in horror.
Ava landed at the bottom of the staircase, crying in pain as the envelope burst open.
Dozens of old photographs scattered across the concrete.
She clutched her prosthetic leg, trying to catch her breath while tears streamed down her face.
Several students stood frozen at the top of the stairs.
A girl wearing a yellow shirt covered her mouth in shock.
No one knew whether to help first or call for a teacher.
As Ava desperately gathered the photographs, one picture remained on the ground.
It had been torn nearly in half during the fall.