Let’s give him a chance

Apollo

“Lick it.”

The words echoed through the hall. Everyone froze. No one dared to speak or move, afraid I might turn my attention to them instead.

The boy on his knees looked up at me, stunned. His lips trembled, his eyes wide in disbelief, like he couldn’t comprehend what he’d just heard from my mouth.

“W-what…?”

“I didn’t stutter, did I?” I looked down at him coldly. “I believe English is your first language. Or is it hard for you to comprehend two simple words?”

He looked at me, then at the floor, shaking his head slowly, still clinging to the belief that he was above something so degrading.

“I…” he started, “Mr. Apollo… I—”

“I won’t repeat myself,” I said, cutting him off flatly.

He swallowed hard, looking like he was praying for a miracle, for the earth to open up and save him from me.

Behind me, Austin finally spoke. “Mr. Apollo…”

I didn’t look at him. Instead, I tilted my head and asked, “Do you think it’s heartless?”

Austin didn’t answer. His silence was answer enough.

“Al