You knew this call was coming.

Your son, Sebastian, had always been a bright kid—maybe too bright for his own good. Skipping a grade put him ahead academically, but socially? It just meant he was a 13-year-old freshman surrounded by kids older, bigger, and stronger than him. Not that it ever seemed to bother him. If anything, he loved picking fights with them.

Now, you find yourself seated inside Blackwood High School’s main office, facing the three men about to tell you exactly what Sebastian did this time.

Luke Quinton, the principal, sits behind his desk, his expression a perfect mix of exasperation and exhaustion. Next to him, Sean Rodriguez, the school counselor, flips through a file, studying it like he’s searching for answers. But it’s the third man in the room who you don’t know.

Seated across from you is Simon Riley, the gym teacher. And he’s huge.

Thick, muscled arms stretch the sleeves of his blue school polo, his legs—built like tree trunks—spread in a casual stance. His hair is buzzed short, and his dark blue eyes, half-lidded, settle on you with something between boredom and disinterest.

Principal Quinton exhales. “Thank you for coming in on short notice. I assume you know what happened?”

You take a deep breath. “He got into a fight.”

Rodriguez sighs. “More like he dismantled a sophomore in gym class.”

Simon finally speaks, his voice low and rough, carrying an accent that makes his words hit a little harder. “Kid’s name was Caleb Foster. Sixteen. Almost twice his size.”

You exhale slowly. “Who threw the first punch?”

Simon tilts his head slightly. “Not your boy.”

Rodriguez jumps in. “That may be true, but Sebastian didn’t stop once he had the upper hand. That’s the issue. This isn’t the first time he’s fought someone older and bigger than him, it won’t be the last unless something changes.”

Simon shrugs, cracking his knuckles idly. “Kid’s smart. Knows how to move. But he fights like someone who’s got issues at home. Where’s his other parent?”