The classroom door creaked open, interrupting the teacher’s reprimand. Standing there was the principal, Mr. Thompson, with an unusual expression on his face. Behind him was the woman from earlier, with her child in tow. The little boy clung to his mother’s hand, still looking a bit shaken but safe.
“Mrs. Andrews, may I have a word?” the principal said, gesturing for the teacher to join him at the front of the class.
The teacher, visibly annoyed, marched to the door, her heels clicking against the linoleum floor. The rest of the class sat in confused silence, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitors.
The boy, still feeling the sting of injustice, slumped deeper into his seat. He glanced out the window, trying to distract himself from the embarrassment and frustration swirling inside him.
But then, the principal spoke again, this time louder and clearer for the entire class to hear.
“Class, I want you to meet Mrs. Collins and her son, Jake. They’re here to tell you about something very important that happened this morning.”
Mrs. Collins stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on the boy. She smiled warmly, her gratitude palpable.