Amber rankedst again–dead bst/b, scoring zero this time. The school summoned her guardian, and Jocelyn arrived, gently stroking Amber’s hair

bto /bfort her

Jocelyn shrugged and bsaid/b, “Madam, how can you me Amber for her poor grades? Studying isn’t the only path in life. I respect her. If she waists to get zeros, then zeros it is.”

Emboldened by Jocelyn, Amber retorted defiantly to the teacher, “Yeah, I just hate studying. Why me me for failing? Maybe bit’s /byour lousy teaching.”

The teacher was both stunned and furious, saying, “Do you think bit’s /bbproper /bto say something like this! She’s in her senior year. This is a critical juncture. Her studies should be the absolute priority.

“Instead of doing everything possible to help her improve her grades, you’re bhere /barguing with me.”

She prided herself on being a seasoned teacher who treated every student equally. The ss had a great learning atmosphere. Everyone managed to stay above the passing line. Everyone, that was, except Amber.

If it hadn’t been for Amber getting a zero on this test, the teacher wouldn’t have called her guardian.

but to the teacher’s utter astonishment, this was how the guardian behaved. How could someone like this properly raise ba /bchild? She was clearly the one corrupting Amber,” the teacher wondered.

Jocelyn smiled band /bbsaid/b, “Madam, how we raise Amber is none of your business. Just do your job properly. Amber bdoesn’t /blike studying. She just needs to be happy.

Tll always respect her choices band /bnever force her to do anything difficult. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving now”

The teacher’s rage reached to peak.

Jocelyn led Amber out of the school. As they reached the school gate, Amber nced up and asked in ba small/b, hesitant voice, “bJocelyn/bb, /bwas I wrong to talk bback /bto the teacher like bthat/b?”

Jocelyn looked at her and gently asked, “Amber, why would you even think that way?”

Amber hesitated, her pretty eyes blooking /bup at Jocelyn. “bBut /ball my ssmates say the teacher is really nice. They all like her.”

Jocelyn said gently, “Amber, don’t be silly. They’re just jealous.”

Amber looked puzzled. “Jealous of me? Why?”

Jocelyn patiently exined “Your ssmates are too afraid to stand up to the teacher’s authority, but you have the courage. Remember not to listen to their nonsense. bJust /btrust me, okay?

“You can tell this teacher isn’t ba /bgood person. I’ve told you before that some teachers use after–school tutoring as an excuse to keep students behind and abuse them.

“So if a teacher ever asks you to go to his or her office bor /bkeeps you after bss /bfor homework, you must fight back. Shout loudly bthat /byou don’t want to. Got it!”

Amber nodded nkly. “Okay, I bget /bit. I’ll always trust you, Jocelyn, no matter what.”

Jocelyn gently took Amber’s hand. “Come on, you didn’t have your of fun at the gaming cafést timeb, /bbdid /bbyou/b? Let’s go bhave /bsome more fun.

“Amber, remember one thing. Your happiness matters most. If anyone makes you unhappy, don’t hesitate to bstand /bup for yourself.”

Amber wanted to mention that the gaming café didn’t ept minors, but sering Jocelyn’s knowing smile, she swallowed her words.

Amber obediently followed Jocelyn inside and sat down to start gaming with her.

Noticing Amber looking thirsty, a boy nearby bought her a bottle of water and, with a friendly smile, handed it over. “Thirsty?” he asked. “I just bgot /bbthis/bb. /bThe seal’s still intact. It’s yours.”

The little girl looked so lovely, with her short bob, bdelicate /bskin, and pretty features.

Remembering Jocelyn’s words, Amber violently pped away the water bottle and snarled, “Are you trying to mess with me! bTake /ba good blook /bbat /byourself, you worthless creep.

Tid never be interested in you. Don’t even think about it. I’ve seen plenty of lowlifes like you before”

4:20 PM

The man, still utterly confused after being hit with a verbal tirade, stood up, picked up the water bottle from the floor, muttered. “Are you crazy! and walked awayb. /b

f