Ms. Crane’s eyes narrowed.
“I told the choir attendance matters.”
Evan spoke again.
“That’s not what you said.”
A few students nodded.
Ms. Crane turned toward them.
“I suggest you all remember who decides the cast list.”
Silence.
Mrs. Reyes slowly stood.
“Is that a threat?”
“No.”
“It sounded like one.”
Lily began coughing.
Mrs. Reyes immediately touched her forehead.
“You’re burning up.”
The nurse took Lily toward backstage.
Ms. Crane called after them.
“If she leaves, the solo goes to someone else.”
Lily stopped.
Mrs. Reyes turned.
Before either could speak, the auditorium doors opened.
Lily’s mother entered carrying a folder.
She looked furious.
Ms. Crane’s expression changed.
“Mrs. Bennett.”
Lily stared at her mother.
“What’s that?”
Her mother raised the folder.
“Emails.”
Ms. Crane went still.
