Mrs. Johnson surveyed the room, her expression a mixture of disappointment and resolve. “I’ve faced tougher challenges than this,” she said quietly, yet every word was clear. “The choice to retaliate physically was never mine. You see, true strength lies not in violence but in control, in knowing when to hold back.”

Her words hung heavy in the air, carrying the weight of her experiences. The students around the room, previously enthralled by the unfolding drama, began to understand the gravity of their actions. Mrs. Johnson had never needed to prove her strength; it was evident in her confidence and the respect she commanded, even if Ryan and his friends had been too blind to see it.