Kevin slid into the office where I was still in my kneeling position. He persuaded the headmaster to close the case. In the beginning, he ignored him for Kevin’s mother had mandated him to do anything to solve the problem. Kevin slipped an envelope into his coat’s pocket. I pretended not to notice that. It was a bribe to set me free from the blame. Even if it was for me, I was sick of what he was doing. He was not different from his mother.

“I hope it can change your mind,” Kevin whispered. I still caught what he said.

“You can go back to your class. Watch your...