The full name slipped from Diane’s lips like a stone into water, ripples spreading instantly across Carol’s chest. Recognition slammed into her, cold and merciless. She forced a neutral expression, nodding as if the sound meant nothing, while inside, the past stirred awake, demanding her attention.
As if the situation weren’t fragile enough, one teacher in particular seemed intent on breaking Diane’s resolve. Mrs. Connors, the history teacher, always singled her out—correcting her harshly, mocking her mistakes, and feeding the class’s laughter. Every detention Diane earned seemed to trace back to her barbed remarks.