----


    “The sharp ring of a phone cut through the room, sending a


    wave of apprehension over the executives. They all knew their


    boss despised it when phones rang during meetings.


    They all checked to see if it was their phone, only to see their


    big boss pick up his phone and answer the call.


    "Yes, it’s me. Okay, I’ll be right there," he said over the phone.


    “David grabbed his phone and hurried out of the conference


    room, breaking into a jog as he went.


    “The executives in the conference room were shocked; they


    had never seen David run, no matter how serious the


    situation.


    “Meeting adjourned," Nathan announced, hurrying after him.


    ----


    Danielle was called to the office by the counselor.


    “Nancy and Ava shot Danielle a look of pure fury.


    “Danielle approached, and they instantly regretted their harsh


    re, wondering if she was crazy enough to try and hit them


    again.


    "In their terror, the two sought refuge behind Kaden,


    identally getting his clothes covered in vegetable soup.


    “Danielle, how dare you hit us in the teacher’s office?" Ava


    gripped Kaden’s clothing, speaking with forced bravery, afraid


    to let go.


    “Danielle fixed them in front of her with an icy stare. "Do you


    really think hiding behind Mr. Langley would stop me from


    hitting you?"


    "Kaden frowned. "Danielle, please calm down," he said


    seriously. "This is the teacher’s office, not a ce for fighting.”


    ----


    Just then, the office door was pushed open.


    “Who hit my daughter?" a woman with a slightly plump figure,


    bright red lipstick, and an unfriendly expression demanded as


    she entered.


    “Upon entering, the woman was horrified to find her daughter


    covered in rotting vegetable leaves, her face bruised and


    swollen, the stench of decay clinging to her in the summer


    heat.


    “When Nancy saw her mother enter, she ran to her and said,


    “Mom, she hit me. You have to help me get back at her.” Her


    front teeth were knocked out, making her speech sound


    slightly slurred.


    ----


    “The woman’s anger surged when she saw her daughter


    brutally beaten and her teeth knocked out.


    “You bitch, how dare you..." she snapped.


    “Kaden quickly stepped in front of Danielle. "Please, madam,


    calm down and refrain from using foulnguage. Have a seat


    and wait for the other parents to arrive so we can discuss a


    solution together.”