Chapter 3

(5)

Roger's parents handed me his diary before they left.

I was the teacher who had been helping them handle Roger's affairs during this difficult time.

I didn't need their thanks; I was doing it for my student.

When they learned that Albin and Gregg, the two who had cruelly taken their son's life, were sentenced to five years in prison, they remained silent, their tears flowing silently down their cheeks.

There was no other way; this was the maximum sentence allowed for minors under the law.

Their parents, however, were wailing at the courthouse entrance, lamenting how such a harsh sentence could be given to two young boys who were just kids.

Roger's parents watched them coldly.

Five years would pass in the blink of an eye.

By the time they were released, they would just be twenty years old.

But Roger's life had ended forever.

After that, I never saw Roger's parents again.

I don't know where they went.

Perhaps they left this place of sorrow, carrying their grief and frustration.

This matter seemed to have ended, but it became a lingering burden on my mind.

I never understood why Albin and Gregg, who weren't even in the same class as Roger and had no usual interactions with him, suddenly bullied him.

The mention of a rotten orange in Roger's diary made me think of Alexandra.

Alexandra was in the same class as Roger and used to play well with Albin and Gregg. She was definitely involved in this matter.

But in the end, only Albin and Gregg were caught, and Alexandra successfully distanced herself from it.

No one mentioned her.

If they did, it was only to say, "Poor Alexandra, her friends went to prison. It must have been a big blow to her."

She had instead become a figure of sympathy.

I recalled the scene of Alexandra pestering Roger.

She was definitely involved.

(6)

Alexandra's arrival seemed to drop a stone into the calm waters of my life, stirring up old memories.

My life was no longer monotonous; I began to observe her every move.

I had to admit, she was very good at pretending.

There was no flaw to be seen, except once.

That day, Alexandra followed me to the classroom to observe a lesson.

In the corridor at the classroom entrance, two students were surrounding another student.

"I told you to bring your homework, didn't I? Look what happened now?"

One of the students sneered as he snatched the workbook that Frank was desperately protecting and gave him a few hard pats on the head.

"Which class are you from?

Bullying others here?" I immediately rushed forward to question the two students, shielding Frank behind me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alexandra's eyes shrink and her hands clench into fists.

The two students mumbled something about just borrowing homework between friends.

"I don't see you as friends. How can bullies call themselves friends?" I said sternly. "If I catch you bullying Frank again, I'll report it to the school and your parents!"

My harsh words scared the two away.

They weren't careful enough, bullying openly and getting caught red-handed.

Looking at Frank, I saw a resemblance to Roger-smart, well-behaved, and academically gifted.

"Frank, if they bully you again, tell your teachers and parents immediately. Don't give them a chance to escalate."

I turned to Frank, speaking firmly.

This was something I hadn't been able to tell Roger back then.

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Stanley."

You never know what kind of hidden malice some students might have.

I didn't say this out loud.

It wasn't appropriate.

"Alexandra, don't you think Frank is a lot like Roger back then?"

I said, looking at Frank's back, without turning my head.

"What did you say, Mr. Stanley?" I repeated myself calmly.

I had said it on purpose for her to hear.

Alexandra didn't respond.

She was distracted the entire day.