"Children sometimes misunderstand situations."

Nora leaned forward.

"Who was there?"

"We're still reviewing the circumstances."

"Give me the student's name."

Crane folded his hands.

"I don't think that would be appropriate."

"Why?"

"Because accusations can damage a child's future."

Nora stared at him.

"My daughter is the one whose future you're supposed to be protecting."

The principal said nothing.

Nora stood.

"Fine."

She walked toward the door.

Then she stopped.

"I'll ask her classmates myself."

Crane's face changed.

"Mrs. Bennett—"

But Nora had already left.

In the hallway, a boy was standing beside a locker.

He watched her approach.

Then he quietly said:

"His name is Caleb."

Nora stopped.

"Who?"

"The boy who pushed Mia."

The boy glanced toward the principal's office.

"But don't tell anyone I told you."

"Why?"

The boy swallowed.

"Because Caleb's father is on the school board."

Chapter 3 — The Missing Video

Nora returned home and opened her laptop.

She searched the school's parent portal.

There was supposed to be security footage from the corridor where Mia had been injured.

But when Nora requested it, the school responded: