Chapter 23 - Cameron’s Phone
Cameron took Phone A to a repair store.
Battery replacement.
Technician asked:
“Keeping an old one?”
“It’s not that old.”
“You teenagers are brutal.”
Cameron smiled.
Then changed his mind.
“Actually, can you just inspect it?”
He had a plan.
Westbridge launched a legitimate technology-donation program after the scandal.
Completely separate from BrightLoop.
Parent consent.
Owner consent.
Secure wipe witnessed.
Devices matched with students who needed them.
Independent nonprofit.
Public records.
Cameron had mocked it initially.
Too symbolic.
Then he met a sixth grader named Mateo whose family couldn't afford a phone.
School didn't require one.
But transportation after-school made it useful.
Cameron looked at Phone A.
Same case.
Same scratch.
Same object once taken without consent.
He realized he did not want to sell it.
He wanted to choose where it went.
Melissa asked:
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Aaron asked:
“Sentimental?”
“Opposite.”
They backed up final data.
Cameron removed SIM.
Logged out personally.
Watched the certified wipe process.
No hidden access.
No teacher code.
His finger pressed:
Erase All Content and Settings
This time the erase succeeded.
Because the owner authorized it.
Cameron felt something release.
Not dramatic.
Quiet.
Phone restarted.
Blank welcome screen.
The tech coordinator handed it back.
“Still yours until you sign.”
Cameron read donation form.
Actually read it.
Aaron smiled.
“Good habit.”
“Wonder why.”
They laughed.
Cameron signed.
Not yet handed it over.
He wanted final act at school.
Tessa heard.
“You're donating THE phone?”
“Yes.”
“That's disgustingly symbolic.”
“I'm aware.”
“Can I film?”
Cameron stared.
Then laughed.
“Maybe.”
The phone went home one last night.
Cameron placed it on his desk.
No evidence bag.
No fear.
Just a device.
May you like
He slept.
No dreams.
