"In the depths of the pool, Sammy, you're really making a splash," Mason exclaimed.
"Fantastic job," Delaney chimed in.
"Do you happen to know how to doggy paddle?" Camille inquired.
"Yes, but I'm not very good at it. It's the closest thing to swimming that I can manage. I've never learned any other strokes," Sammy confessed.
"Have you ever considered taking swimming lessons?" Camille probed.
"I've always been too afraid to. Ever since that terrifying drowning incident, I've felt like lessons wouldn't do me any good. Especially with my scars from heart surgery and my prosthetic arm. I'm sure I'd just be the butt of everyone's jokes in class. I doubt I'd make any friends," Sammy admitted.
"There's a simple solution to your problem, Sammy. Just sign up for a swimming class that caters to neurodivergent children. That way, your peers won't judge you because you'll be just like them," Katie suggests.
"Look at you, Katie, with such a brilliant idea. You're such a clever little sister," Kendall praises.
"Really? You think my idea is great?" Katie asks.
"Absolutely," Kendall confirms.
"Wow, thanks," Katie responds.
"Do you like Katie's idea, Sammy?" Delaney inquires.
"Yeah, I do. But do you think I'll be able to make friends with the other kids? I'm not very good at talking to people my age," Sammy expresses his concern.
"You've been talking to me just fine ever since you got here," Katie reassures. "We're the same age."
"I know, but you're so easy to talk to. You're kind to me. You don't tease me. You're not bothered by my heart surgery scar or my prosthetic arm. Or even the fact that I have Asperger's. None of that fazes you. Why?" Sammy wonders.
"Because you're still a person with emotions. Not defined by your labels. Your different diagnoses don't define you. Your personality does. And so far, your personality is amazing. I really admire that about you. I think you're truly awesome," Katie explains.