Carol managed to whisper, “She’s not a bad child.” The principal’s eyes softened, just slightly. “Neither were you. But words change people. You know that better than anyone.” Carol nodded slowly, guilt pressing down until her spine curved beneath it. The past was no longer deniable.
The principal’s tone hardened again. “Diane will not be expelled. But this is her final chance. And yours, too, as her guide. Teach her that cruelty ends where compassion begins.” The message struck like both punishment and mercy, binding Carol to the responsibility she had long evaded.