Principal Morris sat at his desk, the phone receiver heavy in his hand, his second coffee long forgotten. Angela's words still rang in his ears, they've disappeared, and the weight of it settled in his chest like a stone. Three students, Mira, Liam, and Raquel, gone just like that, lying to their parents, using school systems to cover their tracks. He rubbed his temple, feeling the start of a headache. This wasn't just a disciplinary issue anymore; it was a crisis that could tank the school's reputation if it got out. He had to handle it carefully, but Angela's urgency was pushing him to move faster than he liked.
He picked up the phone and dialed Liam's mother first, figuring she'd be the easiest to reach. The line rang twice before she answered.
"Mrs. Kenner, this is Principal Morris from Brookside High," he said, keeping his voice calm and professional.
"Oh, hello," she said, sounding confused. "Is this about Liam's excursion?"
