Just then, Mr. Mark pulls up in his car and steps out, drawn by the commotion. "Whoa, whoa, hold on! Everyone, calm down! Stop the shouting!" he commands.

"I'm so glad you're here, Dad! He keeps calling me a thief! I'm not one! He won't stop insisting!" Audrey exclaims.

"Because you are! Just admit it!" Andy counters.

"Alright, both of you, take a deep breath and settle down. I need to understand what led to this serious accusation," Mr. Mark says firmly.

Andy recounts the entire incident that unfolded in Apartment 2J, detailing every moment that followed.

"I really think we should leave, Dad," Lucas suggests.

"Now just a minute, Lucas. I'm quite upset that you and Audrey were teasing Steven and questioning his ability to solve an advanced Rubik's Cube simply because he's autistic. That's really unkind. Audrey, if you didn't take the toy, did you happen to see who did?" Mr. Mark inquires.

"No, I didn't," Audrey replies. "It's just gone."

"Right, it just disappeared like a magic trick," Andy chimes in, rolling his eyes with sarcasm. "If you're so sure you didn't take Steven's Rubik's Cube, why don't you dump out your bag to prove it?"

"I'm not doing that! I swear I didn't steal it!" Audrey protests, gripping her bag straps tightly.

"Hmm... you might have to, Audrey. I'm convinced you're not telling the truth," Logan asserts.

"How did you arrive at that conclusion?" Mr. Mark questions.

"It's simple. I've been observing her body language closely. Every time she's asked about the Rubik's Cube, she gets anxious, which is normal when someone is accused of stealing. But I noticed she always looks to the right when asked if she took it. People often have telltale signs when they lie—some scratch their ear, others bite their lips, or even suck their teeth. In Audrey's case, it's that glance to the right," Logan explains. "I've read a lot of psychology books. I know what I'm talking about."

"There you go again, being all nerdy," Lucas scoffs.

Ignoring the jab, Logan persists, "Audrey, please empty your bag."

"Dad, don't let him force me to do this!" Audrey pleads.

"Go ahead, Audrey. If you're truly innocent, there's nothing in that bag you should be afraid to show," Mr. Mark insists. "I'll let you dump everything out in the trunk of my car."

"Ugh! This is so absurd!" Audrey exclaims as she begins to empty her bag, scattering its contents. "Look, I didn't take anything!"

"What about that extra pocket? It looks like it's shaped like a cube," Andy points out, unzipping it and gasping in surprise. "I knew it! You did take the Rubik's Cube!"

"I only grabbed it because Lucas told me to! He said if we took it without you knowing, we could solve it ourselves and make some cash! This is all Lucas' fault!" Audrey retorts.

"Wow! Nice way to throw me under the bus!" Lucas shoots back.

"You said they wouldn't even notice it was gone! You said they wouldn't look for it! You're just as guilty as I am in this mess!" Audrey fires back.

"Enough, both of you!" Mr. Mark interjects firmly, exhaling deeply. "Stealing is wrong! It's incredibly wrong! I'm disappointed in both of you right now!"

"Mean, bad kids!" Steven exclaims, his voice rising in frustration. "No, no, no!" He begins to hyperventilate, stomping his feet in agitation. Seeking solace, he plops down on a nearby bench, but the storm of emotions rages on within him. Tyson, ever the loyal companion, springs into action, nuzzling against Steven's chest, working to soothe his racing heart and bring him back to a state of calm.

"He really does throw tantrums! I knew it!" Lucas chimes in, a smirk on his face. "Autistic kids are just trouble!"

"You have no right to say that, especially after you and Audrey teamed up to STEAL from him! He was already having an anxiety attack because of the stress you both caused. When he bought that Rubik's Cube, he was over the moon with excitement. But you and your equally wicked sister just had to snatch it away! How would you feel if someone took something precious from you? It wouldn't feel good, would it? Do you think it's acceptable to steal from Steven just because he's neurodivergent? Are you really that cruel towards the special needs community that you believe you can take whatever you want from them? Steven has the kindest heart imaginable, and he didn't deserve the way you treated him!" Logan's voice rises in anger, his words sharp and piercing.

"Logan is absolutely right. I will come up with an appropriate punishment for both of you on the ride home," Mr. Mark declares, his tone firm as he addresses Lucas and Audrey. "First, I'm taking your phones. Hand them over now." He extends his hand expectantly.

With scowls on their faces, Lucas and Audrey begrudgingly thrust their phones into his palm before climbing into the car. As he drives away, he continues to lecture them, the weight of his disappointment heavy in the air.

Camille strolls over to Steven and plops down beside him. "Hey Steven, could I take a look at your Rubik's Cube? I promise I'll return it," she says, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

Steven glances at her and gives a nod, handing over the colorful cube.

"Wow, this one looks pretty tricky! My dad was a pro at these when he was younger. He told me that back in middle school, he became quite the sensation for his skills. He even entered a contest where the challenge was to solve it blindfolded in under a minute. He finished in just thirty seconds! I wonder if he still has that talent," Camille muses.

"Let's go ask him! Is he home?" Logan chimes in.

"He should be. Let's head over now," Camille replies, leading the way to her apartment. "Dad, are you around? I have something to ask you!"

From the kitchen, Mr. Roberts calls out, "I'm here, sweetie! Just a moment!" He emerges, wearing a food-splattered apron.

"Whoa, Dad! What happened? Are you alright?" Camille inquires, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah, I'm fine! Just had a little mishap with the blender. I was trying to whip up a healthy smoothie I saw on the cooking channel, but the blender went haywire, and fruit went flying everywhere. Best to steer clear of the kitchen for a bit while I clean up. Now, what did you want to ask?" Mr. Roberts explains.

"I was curious if you can still solve a Rubik's Cube like you did back in middle school. Steven has a brand new one, and it's quite advanced," Camille shares.

"Can I take a look?" Mr. Roberts asks, intrigued.

Steven nods and hands it over.

"Wow, I'm impressed! I didn't know you were into this, Steven. Want to show me what you can do? I'm really interested," Mr. Roberts says, beaming.

Steven grins and nods enthusiastically.

"I'll mix it up really well for you, Steven, to make it a tough challenge," Andy says, scrambling the cube before handing it back.

With a focused expression, Steven devises a plan and begins to solve it. In just 20 seconds, he's finished.

"Whoa, little dude, that was incredible!" Carlos exclaims, giving him a high five.

"Do you mind if I give that a shot, Steven?" Mr. Roberts inquires, his curiosity piqued.

Steven nods enthusiastically, handing over the Rubik's Cube, freshly unscrambled.

"Hold on, Mr. Roberts. I'm a bit confused. Camille mentioned you participated in a blindfolded Rubik's Cube competition back in middle school, and you managed to solve it in under a minute. How did you do it in just 30 seconds without seeing anything?" Carlos asks, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"A bell rang to signal that I was done," Mr. Roberts clarifies with a smile.

"Got it! Are you planning to attempt it blindfolded again?" Carlos continues.

"Well, I don't have a blindfold, so I'll just close my eyes. Please tap my shoulder when I finish. I'll aim for 60 seconds," Mr. Roberts replies confidently.

"I've got the timer set on my phone, Dad. Ready? Three, two, one, go!" Camille announces, excitement bubbling in her voice.

With his eyes shut tight, Mr. Roberts twists and turns the Rubik's Cube, working to align the colors. After 40 seconds, Logan gives him a gentle tap on the shoulder.

"You did it, Mr. Roberts!" he exclaims. "You finished in 40 seconds. You can open your eyes now."

"That was a blast!" Mr. Roberts exclaims, handing the Rubik's Cube back to Steven. "Thank you for letting me borrow it. I truly appreciate your generosity. You're being raised well."

"We really do have the best parents, Mr. Roberts," Andy chimes in. "Steven is an excellent sharer, but he only shares with those he trusts. He hardly knows you, yet he let you use his brand-new Rubik's Cube. You must have a very trustworthy vibe, sir."

They all share a laugh. "I certainly hope so! Otherwise, I wouldn't have such great friendships with my colleagues," Mr. Roberts replies with a chuckle.

Steven gestures to Andy.

"I'll handle it," Andy declares.

"What's on his mind?" Mr. Roberts inquires.

"Do you happen to know sign language?" Andy questions.

"No, but I am eager to learn. We have a new program at work where an ASL instructor comes by three times a week to educate us. I find it quite enjoyable, although memorizing all the gestures and their meanings can be challenging," Mr. Robert explains. "How long have you been signing, Steven?"

"A long time. Andy is a great teacher," Steven replies.

"I started teaching myself ASL when I was around 4 or 5, and then I taught Steven. It's our unique way of communicating. Our parents know some signs, but not as well as we do. Unfortunately, our older sister Hannah refuses to learn," Andy shares.

"Why is it that your sister Hannah is reluctant to learn ASL?" Mr. Roberts inquires.

"Well, it's because she has never really liked me or Steven throughout her life. The fact that Steven is autistic completely horrifies and embarrasses her. She resents me too, I believe, because she doesn't want me to bond with him. She expects me to treat him as poorly as she does, but I refuse to stoop to that level. He deserves kindness, not cruelty. Just because his mind works differently and he doesn't act like a typical 12-year-old doesn't mean he shouldn't receive compassion and respect from her. Hannah thrived as an only child until Steven came along, and then I did. She despises being the eldest and the only girl. Her frustration spills over onto us all the time." Andy replies. "It's truly disheartening."

"It's truly disheartening to witness the way your sister treats you and Steven," Mr. Roberts remarks.

"Thank you, sir. What's even more disheartening is the toll her behavior takes on our parents. They are constantly trying to discipline her, but nothing seems to make a difference. It's like they're facing an impenetrable fortress instead of a teenage girl," Andy laments.

"Perhaps she could benefit from speaking with a therapist about her emotions," Mr. Roberts suggests.

"That's not likely to happen. She's too proud to consider discussing her feelings with anyone," Andy replies.

"Does Hannah show any love to Tyson?" inquires Mr. Roberts.

"Unfortunately, no sir. She has her own beloved dog that she dotes on, refusing to discipline. And she's not a fan of my cat, Angel," Andy replies.

"I happen to adore cats. What is your feline companion like?" Mr. Roberts inquires.

"She's the most gentle and sweet kitty you'll ever meet," Andy shares. "I can bring her by this weekend for you to meet."

"That would be wonderful," Mr. Roberts agrees.

"Great!" Andy grins.