Matteo had always thought birthdays were supposed to be filled with warmth, laughter, and gifts. But this year, all he got was heartbreak. The moment he saw the exam results, his stomach twisted. He had failed—because of the project. Because of Eliane.
His mother gasped, pressing her hands to her mouth. His father, usually a strong, stoic man, sat down heavily on the couch. "No... this can't be."
Matteo clenched his fists. "I didn't fail. I did everything Mrs Eliane tore my project."
His mother looked at him with pleading eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Of course I am! I tried to stop her, but she tore it right in front of me!"
His father inhaled deeply, his face tense with frustration. "Then we will not let this slide. We will go to the principal."
Matteo felt a flicker of hope. His father was a man of honor, not someone who would back down in the face of injustice. Together, the three of them marched to the school.
The Principal's Office
The moment they arrived, Matteo knew something was off. The principal was already seated, as if expecting them. Next to him, Eliane sat stiffly, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her skirt.
"Matteo and his parents," the principal said, smiling coldly. "Take a seat."
Matteo's parents moved toward the comfortable chairs in front of the desk, but the principal gestured toward two plain wooden chairs in the corner. "Those are for you."
His mother exchanged a glance with his father but said nothing. Matteo felt rage burn in his chest. This was humiliation, plain and simple. But they had come for justice, not pride.
The conversation started civilly. His father spoke, demanding answers, while Matteo explained the situation. He recounted everything.....the ruined project, the unfair failure. His voice grew stronger as he turned to Eliane.
"Tell them the truth," Matteo said, his eyes locking onto hers.
Eliane looked pale, her lips trembling. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Matteo pressed forward.
"You can't lie forever. Just admit it."
Eliane's hands gripped the edge of her chair. She darted a quick glance at the principal, who stared at her with piercing eyes. Matteo caught the flicker of fear in her face.
" Mrs Eliane?" he said again.
She looked down.
"You....."
"Enough," the principal cut in, his voice sharp. "Matteo, do you realize what you're implying? A teacher destroying a student's work? Absurd."
"It's the truth."
"Then prove it."
Matteo's breath caught. He had no evidence. It had happened so fast. Eliane refused to speak, and now...
The principal smirked. "It's disappointing, really. And since you insist on spreading false accusations...." His voice turned icy. "Maybe it's time we reveal the truth about you instead."
Matteo stiffened. "What are you talking about?"
The principal pressed a button on his phone. "Noemie, bring the video."
The door opened, and Noemie walked in, holding up a phone. A video played on the screen—grainy footage of Matteo grabbing Eliane's wrist. It was the moment he had tried to stop her from tearing the project, but without context.....
"It looks like an attack," the principal said, voice dripping with satisfaction.
Matteo's mother gasped. His father's hands clenched into fists.
Noemie scoffed. "You tried to stop her? Looks like you tried to assault her."
Matteo's father shot up from his chair. "That's a lie!"
Eliane remained silent, eyes glued to the floor.
Matteo turned to her. "Say something. You know this isn't true!"
She flinched, but the principal's glare made her press her lips shut.
Matteo's mother's voice wavered. "We believe our son. He would never do something like this."
The principal leaned forward. "Then let's take this to the police."
A heavy silence filled the room. Matteo's parents stiffened. They weren't fools. They knew how the world worked. Against money and power, they were nothing.
His father exhaled slowly. Matteo could see the helpless fury in his eyes. The principal smiled.
"However," he continued, "I'm not without mercy. Matteo, I will give you a second chance. You can take another test."
Matteo clenched his jaw. "What's the catch?"
"You will study under Mrs. Eliane's supervision."
Eliane jerked her head toward the principal, surprise flashing across her face. But she didn't dare argue.
Matteo's teeth ground together. This was humiliation. A punishment disguised as generosity.
But what choice did he have?
They left the school in silence. Matteo could feel the weight pressing down on his parents' shoulders. His father, usually a pillar of strength, looked exhausted.
As they walked home, Matteo's father suddenly stopped.
A sharp gasp escaped him.
Matteo spun around. His father clutched his chest, his face twisting in pain.
"Dad?"
His father collapsed onto his knees, his breath ragged. His mother screamed. Matteo fumbled for his phone. He dialed emergency services.
No signal.
His heart pounded. He tried again.
Still no signal.
"Dad!" Matteo's voice cracked. He turned wildly, searching for someone, anyone. His father's face contorted in agony. His mother sobbed, cradling him.
The world blurred. Matteo felt like he was drowning. The principal's smirk, Eliane's silence, the video, the injustice.....none of it mattered now.
He just wanted his father to live.
But the city had already decided who mattered and who didn't.