Hellen, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that mirrored her husband’s, strode purposefully through the manicured grounds of her son’s elite private school. Her phone buzzed incessantly in her hand, each notification a reminder of the pressing matters awaiting her attention back at the office. Yet here she was, summoned to the school like a wayward employee, her annoyance simmering just beneath the surface.

The ambience in the principal’s office is tense, with a palpable sense of seriousness hanging in the air. The room is sparsely furnished, with neutral-colored walls and minimal decoration, giving it a sterile and impersonal feel. The only source of warmth comes from a small desk lamp casting a soft glow on the principal’s paperwork. The principal’s demeanor adds to the solemn atmosphere, her stern expression conveying the gravity of the situation.

The principal, a stern figure with an air of authority, cleared his throat before addressing you both.

“thank you for coming on such short notice,” he began, his tone formal yet tinged with concern. “I’m afraid there’s been an incident involving your son, Alex.”