Rogelio hesitated, glancing at Mariana, then back at Lucía and Principal Carmen. His jaw tightened, but he reluctantly nodded. “Fine, but I won’t wait long.”

As Rogelio followed Carmen out of the classroom, Lucía felt a wave of relief wash over her. The situation was far from resolved, but at least for now, Mariana was safe. She turned to the young girl, who was visibly shaken but trying to be brave.

“Everything will be okay, Mariana,” Lucía assured her, kneeling down to meet her eye level. “You did the right thing by telling me. You’re very brave.”