Part 2: The Breaking Point
Mr. Gable shoved my wheelchair into the church administrative office. The sudden stop sent another jolt through my body.
“Get Father Dominic,” he barked at the secretary.
“She’s in a meeting—” she stammered.
“I don’t care. This student destroyed property.”
“I didn’t!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “It was Tyler! He threw it because I wouldn’t help him cheat!”
“Liar.”
The word came out calm. Controlled.
Final.
My hand trembled as I touched my ear. When I pulled it back, my fingers were red.
Blood.
My chest tightened. I was twelve. Helpless. Trapped in a place that was supposed to teach kindness—but felt anything but.
“Stop crying,” Mr. Gable muttered. “You don’t belong here, Lila. You never did.”
People like you.
I knew exactly what he meant.
I closed my eyes, wishing I could disappear.
Wishing someone—anyone—would step in.
The door to the inner office opened.
Father Dominic stepped out, his long black robe brushing the floor, his expression calm—but alert.
“What’s happening here?” he asked.
“She vandalized school property,” Mr. Gable replied smoothly. “Thousands in damage.”
“I didn’t!” I cried again. “It was Tyler—”
“Enough.”
Mr. Gable’s hand rose.
Open.
Ready.
I froze.
Curled into myself.
Waiting.
Because this wasn’t the first time.
