Lucía could feel Mariana trembling behind her, and she gently touched the girl’s hand, reassuring her with a squeeze. “I understand you’re family, but these are the school’s rules for dismissal,” Lucía insisted. “I need you to wait until we can sort this out with her parents.”

Principal Carmen stepped forward, her face a mask of calm authority despite the tension crackling in the air. “Mr. Rogelio, let’s have a discussion in my office to address your concerns. We want to do what’s best for Mariana, and it’s important we follow our procedures.”