The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Corinne came in and looked at Matt, who was shielded by his parents. Matt was in the same class as Joey, and Corinne had met him before while fetching Joey from class. Though they were of the same age, Matt was taller than Joey and appeared to be much stronger. It did not make sense for Joey to beat Matt up, but it was clear that both children were visibly injured.

Corinne turned to Matt's parents and said, "I've just arrived, and I don't know the full details of the situation yet. Give me a moment to talk to my son."

She then walked toward Joey who stood alone in the corner. Matt's parents were not happy, and they exchanged disapproving glances at each other while directing their concerns to the principal. Matt's father voiced his discontent. "What kind of attitude is that? Her son bullied our son, but rather than getting her son to apologize, she wanted to talk to him instead. What's the point of that? Her son isn't injured!"

"Exactly!" Matt's mother said in support. "Don't you interview parents before admitting their students to your kindergarten? Why didn't you screen such problematic children? This doesn't make your kindergarten any different from the other!"

apologized profusely yet again and requested

squatted in front of Joey. She asked,

lowered his head and nodded silently without

"Why

Corinne gently held Joey's hand and encouraged him. "You need to tell me why so I can argue on your behalf. I believe

He hesitated for a moment and