“Say you’re sorry.”
Ten-year-old Isaac stared at the floor.
Across the principal’s office sat Connor.
The boy who had shoved him into a locker twenty minutes earlier.
Isaac’s lip trembled.
“For what?”
Principal Adams sighed.
“For hitting Connor.”
“He pushed me first.”
Connor’s mother folded her arms.
“My son says you punched him.”
Isaac looked at Connor.
Connor smiled when the adults weren’t watching.
Isaac’s mother was still driving to the school.
Until she arrived, he was alone.
Principal Adams leaned forward.
“We solve conflicts by taking responsibility.”
Isaac’s hands tightened.
“He takes my lunch money.”
Connor’s smile vanished.
His mother scoffed.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“He does.”
Principal Adams looked tired.
“Isaac, making additional accusations will not help.”
“They’re true.”
Connor whispered, “Liar.”
Isaac stood.
“Stop!”
The principal’s voice sharpened.
