The cafeteria fell silent, the only sound Lily’s soft sobs as her father confronted her teacher. Leonard’s eyes blazed with a mix of anger and disbelief. The entire room seemed to hold its collective breath.
Mrs. Aldridge froze, her face a mix of shock and defiance. “Mr. Hayes, I—”
“No,” Leonard interrupted, his voice firm and unyielding. “Explain yourself. Why would you demean a child like this?”
