speak with Clara after the apology. I wrote down what she said.”
Principal Alvarez opened the file.
Her expression changed as she read.
“Clara said she was afraid that if she told the truth again, no one would believe her.”
Ben’s hand tightened on Scout’s harness.
Mr. Ellis looked uncomfortable.
“She also said she thought her father might be disappointed in her because she had embarrassed him.”
Ben turned toward Clara.
“Sweetheart.”
Clara stared at the table.
“I didn’t want you to think I made trouble.”
Ben reached across and took her hand.
“You could never embarrass me by telling the truth.”
Her eyes filled, but she did not cry.
Ms. Harrow took a slow breath.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Not just for throwing away your project. I’m sorry I made you question whether your own memories were worth trusting.”
Clara looked at her.
“What happens to my report?”
Principal Alvarez answered.
“It will be returned to you, and you may choose whether you want to revise it, present it again, or keep it private.”
Clara considered this.
“What if I want to present it?”
“Then we will make sure you have a supportive audience.”
Ms. Harrow sat very still.
“I would like to hear it,” she said. “If Clara is willing.”
Clara looked at Ben, then Lauren.
Her mother squeezed her hand.
“You get to decide.”
Clara opened the folder and removed the report.
“I can read it,” she said. “But Scout has to sit with me.”
“That seems fair,” Principal Alvarez said.
They moved to the small multipurpose room near the library. Word had already traveled through the building, though Principal Alvarez had asked
