The teacher returned the greeting, oblivious to the underlying tension,
and Jessica slipped past her, climbing back up the stairs
with rapid footsteps that echoed faintly in the classroom.
Meanwhile, Ava watched this exchange from across the room,
her eyes fixed intently on Ivanna's worried face,
a satisfied smile spreading behind her mask of kindness.
Her mind was likely racing with thoughts of Ethan's plan
and the impending confrontation with Ivanna.
Ivanna, still sitting at her desk, looked pale and distracted,
her hands clutching her pencil tightly as if seeking comfort.
Ivanna's eyes, previously which were wide with fear,
now narrowed slightly as she processed Jessica's ominous message.
But surprisingly, her expression didn't crumble into despair –
instead, a hint of determination flickered across her face.
She had anticipated this moment,
knowing Ethan's return to school would mean the return
of bullying and harassment from his side.
