'Alright.'
The word was quiet. It was so small and simple that for a moment, neither of the adults in the room seemed to process it.
Ms. Albright's professional smile faltered. She blinked, her head tilting just a fraction. 'Did he just… agree?'
Principal Joseph, who had been leaning forward with the grim weight of his argument, just stared. He had expected a debate. He had prepared for a panicked refusal, for a long, difficult conversation. He was not prepared for a single, calm word of acceptance.
Kofi looked from one adult to the other. Their shock was almost comical.
'They look like I just solved a math problem they've been stuck on all week. But this isn't math. It's a person's life. My life. Her life.'
