Chapter 96: A Lesson for the Principal

**Thelma Zane’s POV** “It’s normal to feel sad,” I said gently, hugging Avril as tears streaked her face. Dorothy and Mara joined in, wrapping their arms around her in a show of solidarity. “Sometimes, sadness needs to run its course before the healing begins. Let it out, cry as much as you need. It’s the best way to release the pain.” The warmth of our embrace seemed to comfort her, but the situation had escalated far beyond a private matter. As expected, the incident had reached the ears of the school administration. Before we knew it, the principal had summoned us to his office for a meeting. --- The moment I entered his spacious, meticulously organized office, the grey-haired principal gestured toward a chair. “Good afternoon, Miss Zane,” he said, his tone formal and measured. “Please, have a seat.” “Good afternoon, Mr. Principal,” I replied as I took the offered chair. My tone, however, lacked any pretense of politeness. “I assume this is about Ryan, isn’t it? I know