The words stung, and Harris felt a deep sense of remorse. It was not just the fear of professional repercussions that gnawed at him, but a realization of his own biases and the impact they had.

Later that day, driven by guilt and a desperate need to make amends, Harris found himself outside the high school where Clara taught. He waited until the final bell rang and students began to leave. Clara emerged, her presence as dignified as ever despite the morning’s events.

Harris approached her hesitantly, his usual confidence replaced by uncertainty. “Mrs. Williams,” he began, his voice faltering, “I need to apologize. What I did was unforgivable.”