SOPHIE
The conference room smells like dry-erase markers and damp industrial carpet.
River sits to my left, his leg bouncing in a rapid, silent rhythm. Avery is on my right, hands resting flat over a closed notebook. Chloe offered to come in when we met in the lobby, but I asked her to wait in the outer office.
Across from us, Nathan sits between Coach Reyes and Ms. Albright in a faded dark sweatshirt, shoulders hunched, hands clasped between his knees. Purple shadows circle his eyes as he stares at the fake wood laminate.
"Before we begin," Ms. Albright says, "this is a restorative accountability meeting. It is not a negotiation. Sophie, you set the pace. Nathan, your role is to listen without interrupting and take full responsibility. Do you both understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," Nathan an
