Mom insisted everything was fine.
But later that evening, I found her crying in our kitchen.
She finally admitted that an expensive piece of equipment had disappeared from the auditorium. Vanessa wanted her to take responsibility, even though my mother hadn’t been working there when it vanished.
And now Vanessa was threatening to have her dismissed.
After leaving the bathroom, I rushed to the administration office.
Before I could explain anything, the receptionist told me that my mother had been suspended.
Vanessa had already accused her of theft.
Worse, two students had supported Vanessa’s story.
Madison and Chloe.
I hurried outside and found Mom sitting alone on a bench.
She looked smaller than I’d ever seen her.
“I’m sorry, Lily,” she whispered. “Maybe we should just leave it alone.”
“Mom, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I know. But sometimes being right doesn’t mean anyone will believe you.”
