CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY TWO – BUILDING BRIDGES

As they joined the parade, they found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of activity. Floats passed by, each more elaborate than the last. People in costumes danced along the street, and the air was filled with confetti. A woman with grey hair pulled into a messy bun fell into step beside them. "First time at the parade, dears? I'm Mrs. Rodriguez, retired teacher. Let me give you the inside scoop on some of these floats." She pointed to a massive float shaped like an open book. "That's the library float. See how the pages are filled with different faces? It's to show how stories connect us all." Emily nodded enthusiastically. "That's really cool! What about that one with the giant handshake?" "Ah, that's the Accessibility Awareness float," Mrs. Rodriguez explained. "Tommy over there helped design it. He's been pushing for more inclusive infrastructure in town." As if on cue, a young man in a wheelchair rolled up to them. "Did I hear my name? I'm Tommy. You guys enjoying the parade