The principal’s expression didn’t change. “Being yourself isn’t an excuse for cruelty.” Diane stiffened at the word. Carol’s breath caught—cruelty. It wasn’t random that she’d chosen it. The mother pressed her palms together in her lap, desperate to steady her hands. She knew the message wasn’t only for Diane.
Diane tried to shrug it off. “I’m not cruel. People laugh. It’s funny.” The principal leaned forward slightly. “Funny for you. But what about the person at the other end?” Her voice carried no heat, only steel. Diane faltered, cheeks coloring, unable to muster her usual retort.