Seeing Jenna, Lilah responded nonchalantly, “Hello, Jenna. You're here too."

Jenna, recovering from her surprise, asked, "Did you come to watch Vera compete?"

She had initially thought Jerrold was also competing, but dismissed the idea, believing an autistic child couldn't possibly qualify.

“Yes, we're here for Vera, but Jerrold is also competing," Lilah clarified.

Jenna's astonishment grew. After a moment, she masked it with a smile.

"It's good for Jerrold to socialize more. He tends to isolate himself."

"Jerrold has changed," Lilah pointed out.

"Really?" Jenna looked at Jerrold with a hint of disdain. She noted his lack of greeting and thought of him as such an impolite child.

Offering a cursory remark, Jenna said, “Well, that's good. I hope he continues to improve."

Soon after, Brenda and Richard arrived. Jenna assumed they were there to support Vera and greeted them with a smile. To her astonishment, they immediately went over to Jerrold, engaging him warmly.

Jenna's smile faltered, her assumptions upended.

Brenda then noticed Vera. "Ah, Vera's here too. You look lovely today."

"Thank you. You look beautiful as well," Vera replied sweetly. Her parents had advised her to charm Brenda and Richard for a brighter future.

Brenda smiled. "You have such a way with words, Vera. Are you feeling nervous about the competition?"

"Not at all," Vera said confidently. "I'm going to win. Just watch."

Jenna, admiring Vera, cautioned, “Don't get too confident, dear. Stay humble."

Brenda disagreed. "No, it's good she's confident."

Turning to Jerrold, Jenna inquired, "And Jerrold, what place do you expect to achieve?"

Jerrold quietly said, "First place."

His response raised eyebrows. Jenna inwardly scoffed, thinking his autism affected his judgment. In her eyes, Vera's talent was validated by teachers, unlike Jerrold.

Outwardly, Jenna encouraged, “That's great, Jerrold. We'll look forward to seeing how you do."

She assumed Jerrold would likely finish last.

The children then prepared for the contest.

Brenda and Richard chatted with Kenneth before taking their seats in the auditorium.