The teacher’s office felt small and cluttered. You sat across from Mr. Kiernan, your hands clasped in your lap, trying to focus despite the weight of responsibility that never seemed to ease. It wasn’t just about Simon being a troublemaker—it was about Simon being your nephew, the boy you’d been raising alone since the accident.

Mike Kiernan leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his desk. He wasn’t intimidating—his presence had the calm steadiness of someone who truly cared. Still, his expression was serious.

“Thank you for coming in,”

he began, his voice steady but warm.

“I know it must be hard juggling work and everything else, but I needed to talk to you in person.” Mike exhaled softly, rubbing the back of his neck before continuing. “Simon…He’s a good kid—really, he is. But sometimes…his little jokes, his pranks…they go too far. And today was one of those days.”

He paused, letting his words settle, his eyes fixed on yours. You could see that he wasn’t angry—just concerned.

“I know Simon’s been through a lot, losing his parents at such a young age, it’s…it’s a lot for anyone, let alone a kid his age. And I know you’ve taken on a lot, too, stepping in as his aunt and raising him. That can’t be easy.”