Chapter 283 - A Choice in the Darkness

The principal's office was a stark, utilitarian space that seemed designed to make visitors uncomfortable. Kayla sat in one of the hard plastic chairs, her small frame hunched over, eyes fixed on the floor. "Mrs. Maine," the principal, a stern-looking woman named Ms. Hartley, greeted her. "Thank you for coming on such short notice." Deonna took the seat next to Kayla, reaching out to squeeze her daughter's hand. "What happened?" Ms. Hartley's lips thinned. "Kayla was involved in an altercation with another student today. She pushed the child and called her some... very unkind names." Deonna turned to Kayla, shock evident on her face. "Kayla, is this true?" Kayla nodded, still not looking up. "She said... she said I was only pretending to be nice so people would like me because I'm rich now. But that's not true!" The outburst seemed to startle even Kayla herself. She fell silent again, but not before Deonna caught the glimmer of tears in her eyes. Ms. Hartley sighed. "Mrs. Maine,