Hours later, long after the last bell, a different kind of commotion rippled through the school. Someone saw his parents arrive. Not calm or composed but furious. His mother demanded to know how a student could simply “vanish between fourth period and dismissal.” His father accused the staff of negligence.
A teacher tried to speak calmly, but the argument escalated until doors slammed and the main office blinds snapped shut. On Monday morning, Richard’s seat was empty. And whenever anyone asked what happened, the teachers gave the same clipped reply: “Focus on your classes, Richard shouldn’t be your concern.” Not “he’s sick,” or “he’s fine.” Just dismissiveness.