2-21

[Three weeks and four days later. (22nd. June. Wednesday.)]

"Alan has officially left the school. How are you doing?"

Joseph lowered his head. "A bit guilty. If I had reported, I would have saved them earlier on."

The principal sighed. "You don't have to blame yourself. Does your dad know everything that's happening?"

Joseph nodded. "Yeah. He's just too busy to concern himself. He knows I'm safe."

"And you are? I just don't want you to get affected by it. Make new friends, okay?"

Joseph nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Do the Hodges still bother you?"

Joseph shook his head. "In a while, they haven't. I guess they're waiting for things to die down first. I'm really scared of them, ma'am."

The principal sighed. "If any complaints about them come to my table again, I'll make sure I do something about it."

"What about their father? He defends them. He doesn't even know his kids are bullies"

"Well, next time, when they bother you, be smart about it. There needs to be evidence to prove those kids are