Lucy struggled to find words that could capture the myriad of emotions coursing through her. Upon receiving a phone call from the school regarding Nashi's involvement in an incident with another student, Lucy had rushed out of the house in a panic, nearly forgetting her own shoes. Now, standing in front of the principal's office, she contemplated whether it was even worth entering. This was a situation she had never envisioned herself in. Nashi was always a well-behaved girl, and the thought of her resorting to violence seemed unfathomable.
"Let's just get this over with," Lucy silently urged herself.
With a determined resolve, she turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. As she stepped inside, Lucy surveyed the small office space, her eyes settling on the desk where Nashi's principal, Mrs. Antaro, sat. Mrs. Antaro had thick, brown hair neatly tied back in a tight bun, and she wore a professional grey dress suit accentuated by a pearl necklace. Two chairs were arranged in front of the desk, with Nashi occupying one of them. Both Nashi and Mrs. Antaro directed their attention towards the open door, and Mrs. Ando greeted Lucy with a warm smile. Nashi, on the other hand, slumped even lower in her seat.
"Miss Ashley, it's a pleasure to meet you," Mrs. Antaro said, extending her hand. Lucy stepped forward and firmly shook it, mustering a faint smile. "I'm a fan of your book. It's one of my favorites."
"It's nice to meet you as well, although I wish it were under different circumstances," Lucy responded, taking a seat next to her daughter. Mrs. Antaro nodded, clasping her hands together.
Indeed. You are familiar with the events that unfolded today, correct?" Mrs. Antaro inquired. Lucy responded with a whispered affirmation, her gaze shifting to her daughter, who turned away, avoiding her mother's gaze. "However, I must admit, I am perplexed," Lucy interjected, redirecting her attention to the principal. "While I understand that Nashi struck another student, isn't convening a conference with me a bit excessive?"
"Yes, under normal circumstances, it would indeed be deemed excessive," Mrs. Antaro acknowledged, reaching into one of her desk drawers and retrieving a file folder. Flipping it open, she quickly perused its contents. "However, based on the nurse's assessment of Haruto's condition, she determined that his injury could be equated to a third-degree burn."
Lucy's body tensed at the description of the severity of Haruto's cheek injury. As she stole a glance at Nashi, Lucy couldn't help but wonder what other traits or tendencies her daughter might have inherited from her father. Mrs. Antaro returned the file to its rightful place and leaned forward, resting her hands on the desk.
"Given that this is Nashi's first offense and it was Haruto who initiated the altercation, we have decided to issue her a warning," Mrs. Antaro explained. "However, should such an incident occur again, Nashi will face appropriate consequences." Lucy nodded, comprehending the gravity of the situation.
"Thank you, Mrs. Antaro. Rest assured, it won't happen again," Lucy stated as she stood up, signaling her intention to leave.
Nashi also rose from her seat, eager to escape the embarrassment of the situation.
"Please wait a moment," the principal interjected, rummaging through another drawer. Lucy turned to Nashi, silently inquiring if there was something else she had done. Nashi simply shrugged her shoulders. Returning her attention to the principal, both mother and daughter facepalmed when Mrs. Antaro produced her own copy of Seeking the Clock. "Could you kindly sign this?" she requested. Lucy chuckled and accepted the book from her, signing it before returning it to its owner. They then exited the office together.
The two of them walked in silence as they left the school building. Nashi struggled to find the right words to apologize to her mother for her actions. The tranquility was shattered when Lucy finally decided to break the silence.
