“The district cleared you,” I said.
“Rumors don’t care what a district decides.”
Eric stood in the hospital doorway and heard him.
“I can speak at the school board meeting.”
Daniel looked up.
“That would make this public again.”
“It’s already public.”
“You don’t get to play the hero after starting it.”
“No,” Eric said. “But I can tell the truth.”
The meeting was held the following Thursday. Daniel refused to attend, so I watched the livestream from Sophie’s hospital room.
Eric stood alone at the microphone.
He did not mention the details of Sophie’s illness. He simply stated that he had contacted the district while terrified and without complete information. He said the medical investigation found no evidence that Daniel had harmed any child.
Then he said the words Daniel had demanded.
“I accused him without evidence. I was wrong.”
When the meeting ended, Sophie looked toward Daniel.
