Chapter 43

Mirabelle’s POV

As I drove the kids home, my grip tightened around the steering wheel as I glanced in the rearview mirror at where Tyler, Mika, and Skyler sat, dirt and sand still clinging to their clothes.

“What were you thinking?” I scolded, my voice rising. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to yell at the teachers for not watching you properly?”

Tyler fidgeted in his seat, avoiding my gaze. “We were just playing, Mommy.” He said, his voice small.

“Playing? That didn’t look like play to me!” I shot back. “You can’t just hit other kids because they call you names. You need to learn to walk away!”

Mika, sniffling beside him, piped up, “But they started it! They were being mean!”

“Even so,” I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. “You can’t respond with violence. I can’t believe I have to remind you of this.”

The car fell silent, except for the soft sounds of sniffles from my daughter. I took a deep breath, as I dialed Noah’