And just as the teacher paused to take a breath, the classroom door opened. It was the principal, a tall, authoritative figure who usually only appeared for significant matters. The room fell silent, the mood shifting from one of reprimand to curiosity.

“Excuse me,” the principal said, scanning the room before his eyes landed on the eight-year-old boy. “Can I see you for a moment?”

The boy nodded, his heart now thudding for a different reason. He followed the principal out of the room, glancing back at his classmates who whispered among themselves, wondering what this was all about.