“It’s about one child’s feelings,” Carol cuts in.
Jenks’s gaze sharpens. “It’s about repeated comments that have created an unsafe environment for another student.”
Carol scoffs. “Unsafe? That’s dramatic.”
I lean forward. “She’s six.”
Carol’s eyes flick to me, annoyed. “And so is Eli.”
Jenks keeps her tone measured. “Eli has repeatedly commented on Sadie’s family situation. That stops. Today.”
Carol shakes her head. “You’re assuming malicious intent.”
Jenks doesn’t bite. “Intent aside, the behavior stops.”
Carol leans back slightly, settling in for a fight she thinks she can win. “Maybe Sadie needs to learn resilience. The world won’t coddle her.”
My vision goes white around the edges.
“She’s not asking to be coddled,” I snap. “She’s asking to be left alone. Maybe Eli is the one who needs to learn how not to hurt others.”
Jenks holds up a hand. “Enough.”
Carol turns to Jenks. “This is ridiculous. Eli is polite. He’s well-mannered. He’s a leader.”
Jenks stays calm. “Leadership without kindness is just control.”
Carol’s face goes tight. “You’re overstepping.”
Jenks folds her hands on the desk. “No, Carol. I’m doing my job.”
Silence stretches.
Carol stands abruptly. “If this is how the school intends to handle things, I’ll be taking this to the board.”
Jenks nods once. “That is your right.”
Carol looks at me then, eyes hard. “I hope you’re satisfied.”
I stare at her as if she’s lost her damn mind.
“I’m trying to keep my daughter from thinking she’s less than,” I say low. “If that inconveniences you, I don’t care.”
Carol’s nostrils flare. Then she turns and leaves.
The door clicks shut behind her, and the room exhales.
Jenks rubs her temple. “I’m sorry, Boone.”
“So am I,” I mutter. “But what happens now?”
Jenks doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Now we keep supervision tight. And we make it clear to Eli, and to Carol, that this stops here.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
Jenks meets my gaze. “Then we escalate.”
I nod once, throat tight.
