Ronda turned slightly, addressing the students now. “Each of us has a choice every day—be a bully, a bystander, or a protector. I know which one I choose.” Her words hung in the air, a challenge and an opportunity.

As the bell rang for the next class, students dispersed, their conversations buzzing with the day’s unexpected drama. Trevor, deflated, slunk away, a shadow of his earlier swagger. Ronda, meanwhile, wrapped an arm around La Kea, offering both comfort and strength.