When he faced her, Molly froze. It was Christian, the man she had loved and who had left her nearly nine years before. He recognized her too, and in that instant, both understood it was better to say nothing in front of the principal.
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Mrs. Kolinz introduced him simply as Mr. Rogers, Tommy’s teacher, and moved forward with the meeting. She repeated her warning: continued disruptions would mean expulsion, and this was the family’s last chance.
Molly pleaded for patience, explaining how many times they had moved and how hard adjustment had been for Tommy. Mrs. Kolinz softened slightly but held her ground, agreeing to one more chance and nothing beyond it.
As Molly left with Tommy, Christian called out to her in the parking lot. She sent her son to wait in the car, then turned to face the man she thought she’d never speak to again.
