Not because a teacher forced them.
Not because they were afraid.
Because for the first time, they were ashamed.
The laughter that had followed me through high school suddenly felt very far away.
By the end of the evening, dozens of students had apologized.
Some cried.
Some couldn’t look me in the eye.
Some simply whispered “I’m sorry” and left.
I accepted every apology.
Not because they deserved it.
Because I deserved peace.
Eventually the gym emptied.
Parents left.
Teachers stacked chairs.
The decorations came down.
Only Caleb and I remained near the exit.
