Miss Gonzales watched as the Headmaster abruptly turned and stormed out of the classroom. Slowly, with a much dignity as she could muster, she stood and faced her class.

"Class dismissed." She turned her back to the students and made a concerted effort to thoroughly erase the board.

The students looked at each other, uncertain of what to do. Julie-Truly grabbed her books and bolted with Mina not far behind. Cariad and Suchaminx were slower to gather their things and leave. Cariad paused as they walked toward the door and opened her mouth, but Suchaminx tugged on her sleeve and nodded toward the door. Cariad nodded and followed Suchaminx out the door.

When the door closed, Miss Gonzales' shoulders drooped a bit and she closed her eyes. She rested her head against the cool of the chalkboard for a moment, then turned to gather her things. She knew she'd need to get some ointment on the welts soon.

She scanned her desk, then the rest of the room. Slamming her hand on her desk in frustration, she exclaimed, "He didn't even have the courtesy to leave my crop!"