Teresa's words landed like falling ice, shattering the silence in the dilapidated house.
The color instantly drained from the faces of the young students, their eyes filled with confusion and terror. Someone subconsciously shook their head, lips trembling, unable to make a sound.
Panic spread silently, like creeping vines.
"No… this is impossible!"
Reggie snapped his head up, his voice hoarse with agitation and trembling with disbelief.
"Dean Graham… he would never allow Derek to do this! He would never abandon us!"
Teresa met his gaze, which pleaded for a denial, but her eyes held only a quiet helplessness.
"The source of the information is reliable, Mr. Reggie."
Her voice was low and clear, shattering their last sliver of hope.
"That… is the truth."
Reggie opened his mouth as if to argue, but the words caught in his throat.
