The principal sighed. "I understand you’re upset, and you have every right to be," she said gently, eyes searching Calla’s face. "But I need you to calm down so I can explain properly. If you don’t listen, you might miss the important part."
Calla pressed her lips together, forcing herself to nod even though her chest was still heaving. She dragged in a breath, clutching her knees as if to steady herself. "Fine… I'm listening. Just— don’t drag it out. Please."
The principal sighed, her voice heavy. "Miss Monroe… Two of his classmates pushed him down the stairs during lunch break."
"Wha..." Calla’s heart dropped. Her hand gripped the edge of the chair so hard her knuckles turned white. "What?" she hissed, her voice trembling.
"They've been bothering him for a while now,” the principal a
