“Sit down.”
Isaac sat.
His face burned.
This had been happening for four months.
Lunch money.
Pencils.
Shoes hidden after gym.
Names scratched into his locker.
Every time Isaac reported something, Connor said it was a joke.
The school called it “peer conflict.”
That day Isaac finally pushed back.
Now he was the one facing suspension.
The office door opened.
Isaac’s mother, Megan, entered.
She saw his face.
“What happened?”
Principal Adams began explaining.
Megan listened.
Then she looked at Isaac.
“Did you hit him?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“He pushed me into the locker.”
Connor’s mother interrupted.
“There is no proof.”
Megan looked at her.
“I wasn’t asking you.”
Isaac whispered, “He’s been doing stuff for months.”
Megan turned toward the principal.
“Months?”
