Page 87 of Absolution

My stomach drops. “What kind of altercation?”

He exhales through his nose. “They got into a fight. A fairly aggressive one. Levi and two staff members had to intervene to separate them.”

I blink. “What?”

Williams keeps going, voice calm but stern. “While we understand emotional stress, this behaviour is serious. The other student’s parents will be notified. We were hoping to speak with Mrs. Greyson, but couldn’t reach her, which is why we contacted you.”

I clench my jaw. “You called me and said I had to get hereimmediately.No context. Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

He raises a brow.

“My son-” I stop, trying to breathe through it. “I thought something happened. You don’t get it… I’ve already lost a child.You can’t call someone like that. Not without telling them what’s going on.”

His posture slumps, just a little. “I… I apologize. That was not our intention. You’re absolutely right, we should have handled that differently.”

I exhale sharply, grounding myself. “So, what happens now?”

“I’m recommending a one-day suspension for Jemma and Iris. No record, just time to cool off. They’ll be allowed back the day after. They will also need to apologise to the student and teachers.”

I nod, stiffly. “Fine.”

We step out together. The kids are still there, exactly how I left them, Levi straight-backed, Jemma chewing her lip, Iris gripping the hem of her shirt.

“Let’s go,” I say.

They get up slowly, silently. And we leave. I don’t ask what happened yet. Not in the hallway. Not in front of these walls. Not until I know they’re ready to talk.

By the time we get home, I’m doing everything in my power not to explode. I keep reminding myself: don’t yell, don’t assume, don’t pull adad. Not yet.

I park in Jackie’s driveway, and wait for the kids to get off before answering my buzzing phone.

“Kyle, what happened?” Jackie asks right away, worry already threaded through her voice. “The school called me and then wouldn’t say anything except you picked the kids up.”

“I don’t have the full picture yet,” I say, dragging a hand over my face. “Apparently Jemma and Iris got into a fight with another kid. At recess.”

“Jesus,” she mutters. “I was in the middle of my practical when they called.”

“They’re okay,” I say quickly. “And yeah, I, uh… brought them to your house. Figured it was still their week with you. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course,” she says. Then after a beat: “Kyle… my practical isn’t done yet. Would you mind staying with them… just, until I get back?”

I don’t even think twice. “You don’t have to ask. Of course.”

Another pause. Then I say, “Good luck, Jackie.”

“Thanks,” she says and hangs up.

I step inside and immediately notice howquietit is. Too quiet. Backpacks dumped near the stairs. Shoes tossed. But no sound. No sign of life.

I set my keys down and call up the stairs, firm but even. “Living room. Now.”

A moment later, three sets of footsteps shuffle reluctantly down. Jemma’s hugging a throw pillow. Iris is scowling at the carpet. Levi’s walking like a little soldier in between them, eyes flicking back and forth like he’s about to step on a landmine.

They sit on the couch like they’re waiting for sentencing.

I take a seat opposite them. Exhale.

“Which one of you wants to start?” I ask, calm. Controlled. Still holding the reins.

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