Asher, a wiry teenager with restless eyes and bitten nails, sits alone at a table. Pages of math homework sit untouched as he scrolls through his phone, frustration etched into his features.
"There’s no way I’m passing this test without help," he mutters, glancing around nervously before slipping a cheat sheet from his backpack.
Ms. Carter, the stern mathematics teacher with sharp eyes and perfect posture, paces between desks. Asher sits at the back, heart pounding, the cheat sheet folded beneath his sleeve.
"Just one glance and I’ll be fine," he whispers under his breath, stealing furtive looks as the exam begins.
Asher[/@ch_1]’s desk as he discreetly slides the cheat sheet into view.]
Ms. Carter stops abruptly beside him, her shadow falling across his paper. "Is there something you’d like to explain, Asher?" Her tone is icy, her gaze unwavering.
Asher freezes, the color draining from his face as every eye in the classroom turns toward him.
Asher[/@ch_1] sits slumped on a bench, knees bouncing anxiously.]
Mr. Bennett, the principal, opens the office door with a heavy sigh. "Come in, Asher. We need to talk about your choices," he says, gesturing toward the chair across his desk.
Asher stares at the floor, guilt burning in his chest as he recalls every shortcut he’s ever taken.
Asher[/@ch_1] sits on his bed, the golden glow of sunset filtering through half-closed blinds. His phone buzzes with messages from friends, but he ignores them, lost in thought.]
Crumbled papers lie strewn around him—reminders of the work he avoided. Regret weighs heavy as he replays the day’s events in his mind, realizing the price of his decisions.
"I have to face this. I can’t keep running from the truth," he finally whispers, determination flickering in his eyes.
Asher[/@ch_1], shoulders squared, approaches Ms. Carter as she supervises students at lunch.]
"Ms. Carter, I wanted to apologize for what I did," he says, voice steady but sincere. Ms. Carter regards him silently, her expression softening just a little.
"It takes courage to admit you were wrong, Asher. Let’s work together so you can do better next time," she replies, offering a small smile as hope returns to Asher’s face.
