Chapter 13 - Jackson’s Consequence
Jackson was expelled from our school for the remainder of the academic year.
He transferred to a therapeutic education program with mandatory counseling.
Some parents called it too severe.
Others called it too lenient.
Maya did not comment publicly.
Six months later, she received a letter.
From Jackson.
Her mother screened it first.
Then gave Maya the choice.
She read it.
Jackson wrote:
I used your tablet as proof that you were weak because I knew it was important to you.
I told myself everyone was laughing with me.
Mostly they were scared of me.
I thought that meant respect.
It didn’t.
He admitted the punch.
No excuses.
Then:
You do not have to forgive me.
I am sorry.
Maya stared at the letter.
Simone asked:
“Do you want to answer?”
Maya typed:
“No.”
Then after a moment:
“Not now.”
That was enough.
May you like
Forgiveness was not homework.
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