The moment I step into Principal Hall's office, I know I'm toast. Not that she's excessively bossy or unberable like most students and teachers here. She's actually a just person, valuing people in an objective manner based on their actions and character.

However, the allegation is so serious that, no matter how much I try to deny any wrongdoing, even Mrs. Hall can't defend my right to prove my innocence without being accused of being biased. I try to keep my composure, but I know I'll end up breaking down in tears.

She makes a hand gesture inviting me to take a seat opposite her. I do as told and await her words in silence. She doesn't speak yet, but her glance is worth a million words. I feel so bad that I think I have to throw up. The more time passes, the more I'm on the verge of losing it.

"Braverly, I'm sure you know you're here," she says with a grave voice. The more time passes, the harder for me to retain tears. What if Mrs. Hall also believes I'm guilty based on pure hearsay?

She continues. "I know what you're thinking. You're standing your ground. You want to prove you have nothing to do with what Suzanne accused you of." How can she dwindle between hitting the head of the nail close to perfection and completely missing the mark is a mystery to me.

"I understand your point of view, Braverly. But I also have to take Suzanne's description of facts into account, as well." I nod gravely as Mrs. Hall keeps explaining, "I'd be biased if my judgement only leant on one side."

She has to address the matter of impartiality in general, too, not just in this specific case. How could she miss the fact that I've been targeted since day one?

I try to say something, but words stick in my throat with no way to come out. All that I manage to let out of my mouth is a desperate sigh. Mrs. Hall notices and gives me a puzzled look. "Is everything okay?"

I hesitate. "S-sorry. Yes, it's okay..." I recollect my thoughts as I finally speak my mind. "Actually, no. It's not okay. I'm not okay. It's like a train hit me. Again, Mrs. Hall, I did nothing wrong. There has been a misunderstanding. I promise you I can prove I have nothing to do with-"

I cut myself off. I feel like I can no longer breathe. My head spins at a disturbingly fast pace. I may pass out in the next few minutes, but I doubt anyone will even care. Maybe Principal Hall herself, but that's it, and merely because she can't pretend I don't even exist. That'd go against her morals, provided she has any.

"Do you need a glass of water?" I nod, trying not to look too wobbly. She points at the water distributor at the right of her desk and allows me to refill a plastic glass. I take slow and measured sips, then repeat the process two more times.

When I'm done, I sit back in front of the Principal. She asks me if I feel better. The correct answer is no, but I dissimulate. I'm into an intricate mess and must focus on getting out of it with as little damage as possible.

So, I stifle a small, cautious smile. "Yes, madam. Maybe I was dehydrated. Thank you for the water."

"It was a pleasure." She clears the throat. No more distractions. Back into the game. The allegations won't go away by magic. "Now, onto the incident, I'm sure you know it's a serious matter and I can't simply let it slide."

"I know, Mrs. Hall. I'll collaborate to make sure the truth comes out swiftly and without incidents."

My reassurance isn't enough for her, though. Her stare hardens, her voice is more stern than before. "Braverly, until the investigation is over, I have to suspend you from school activities. You can collect your things and leave the premises."

I bow in apology, then do as told and get out of school. Chances my parents will find out I've been suspended for an indefinite time are extremely high, so I need an escape route. Too bad I have little money, the heavy burden of my textbooks and barely any other belongings with me, otherwise I would've left home behind, possibly for good.

***

Usually, the river and the woods surrounding it are my refuge, my safe spot, the one place where I can be myself and imagine a better life for myself. Today, however, it gives a gloomy, eerie vibe, almost threatening.

I sit by the bed of the river and start crying. I sob like no tomorrow, as if I lost someone dear. The problem, do I have loved ones? Or do they just pretend to be? I have no friends. My family are hostile to me. Griffin pesters me every single day void of consequences.

And, then, school is an absolute nightmare. Who knows if I'll be able to return and recover from the massive backlash? Even though I know the allegations are fabricated, I can't defend myself from that pack of hyenas. They all believe Suzie. They have no empathy for me whatsoever.

My eyes burn because I'm out of tears and don't have the strength to cry again. So, I lie on the grass and drift into my perfect dream world, where nothing ever goes wrong and I can feel true love and warmth.

***

Mom pulls me in a tight hug as I tell her that Suzie's vicious attacks have become worse and much more frequent. She sees me cry and says, "Hush, stop crying, Braverly, it's gonna be okay again. She won't get away with her lies."

Her words are soothing enough for me to find relief. This is exactly what I need at such a difficult time. No matter how harsh reality is, I can face it with my family by my side. Dad joins Mom and me when he notices I'm upset. "What's that girl up to?" he asks.

I shake my head. "I don't know, Dad... What matters, however, is that I have you and Mom by my side. Never leave me, promise." My parents cross their fingers with mine as they tie in an unshakable bond. Together, we're stronger.

Together, we're better. A lot better.

***

The latest words echo in my mind as I wake up, ringing more powerful and more meaningful than ever. Too bad they're the reflection of a parallel world where everything goes the way it's supposed to be, I'm loved and appreciated, and honesty is always rewarded.

Reality, on the other hand, stings. It sucks. It doesn't leave me room for showing I can grow as a person without the constant fear of misjudgment. It's where good deeds are only praised when it's convenient, and where a single mistake can redefine one's character for the worst even if their attitude and mindset have always been positive.

If I want to rewrite the story of my life, I have to start detaching from the toxic people clouding my days not only figuratively, but also in the literal meaning of what departure is. The point is, when leaving will happen. Because I'm certain I can no longer stay in Waterbridge without fearing for my future.