Part 3Cold Water, Cold Truth

Mason shrieked, clutching his wet head, looking up at me in total disbelief.

Ms. Carter gasped, her hand covering her mouth. She wanted to stop me, but it was too late.

Liam’s mom stared at me, jaw dropped.

I turned my back on the balcony and faced her again. "On Monday, Mason will give Liam a proper, sincere apology."

She waved her hands awkwardly, suddenly embarrassed by the intensity of the punishment. "It’s... look, they’re just kids. He’s been punished enough. We... we don't blame him anymore."

I crouched down to Liam’s level. "Liam, honey, are you still angry?"

He shook his head. He thought for a second, then said, "Ms. Jenna, Mason is actually my best friend. He usually helps me. Last time I was sick, he did my class chores for me."

I waited patiently. "Go on."

"I was just mad he soaked me. I felt embarrassed. But I don't hate him."

I patted his shoulder. "Mason is lucky to have a friend as forgiving as you."

Liam nodded. Then he lowered his voice, glancing at his own mom. "Ms. Jenna... I think I know why he did it."

I froze. "Why?"

Liam looked nervous, but his mom nudged him to speak. "Because of the soccer tryouts. I beat Mason in the prelims. Mason told me this match was super important. He said if he didn't get first place, his dad would be furious."

My brow furrowed. I didn't know anything about this.

Liam was getting worked up now. "His dad told him he has to be number one in school and number one in sports, or else he’s not a 'good son.' Last time we were changing for gym, me and the guys saw marks on Mason's back. Like, red lines. I think his dad hit him..."

My temples started throbbing.

Liam’s mom lightly tapped her son’s arm. "Liam, don't make up stories." She looked at me apologetically. "Kids talk, you know how it is. Don't take it to heart. It’s getting late, we should go."

I forced a smile. "Right. Drive safe."

After they left, Ms. Carter looked out the window at my shivering son, then turned to me. "Mrs. Miller... does Mason's father actually talk to him like that?"

She chose her words carefully. "He's young. If a parent pushes too hard, or uses fear to motivate... it twists a child's thinking."

"Also..." She hesitated.

I nodded, cutting her off gently. "I understand. I’m going to have a very serious conversation with his father tonight."