8. in the story "one thousand dollars," robert gillian forfeits a $50,000 inheritance. what is the theme expressed by the author in this story? human kindness can prevail over human weakness and selfishness. the foolishness of men and women will always be obvious in the end. people of poor character can't but continue making bad choices. true love makes people do silly things.

Read this passage: byron and mitch are co-captains of the mathletes, their high school's academic team. they are backstage with the five other team members, preparing to compete in the state math quiz. byron sits on the floor with his eyes closed and his earbuds in, listening to classical jazz, which him focus his mind and energy. suddenly, he feels a presence beside him. he opens his eyes to see mitch staring at him. "mathletes! mathletes! " mitch chants loudly. mitch gives byron a thumbs-up and then proceeds to strut around like a peacock, high-fiving the other team members, as byron shuts his eyes again and does his best to refocus his mind which statement best summarizes the passage?