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Her face took on a serious cast. So serious I was actually taken aback. "Listen. I am mortified by what Taylor made me do for you. Or to you, whatever. It was hard just to walk in here when you came back, knowing what you've seen. What I've shown you. I wanted to curl up in a ball in the women's restroom and just ditch your class." This was not a person who displayed emotional vulnerability casually, but in those wide eyes, I saw real shame.

I frowned. "Wait, really? I didn't-"

"I feel like such an idiot. But worse, I feel awful for what my cowardice put you through. You are an excellent teacher, Mr. Canon. You've gone the extra mile for me all year, even before all this crud. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. My conscience would never fully heal if I graduated without trying to make things right between us, and leave you on a note that reflects both my respect, and my shame for my poor judgment."

I was stunned. Had she really been burying all that? What had I been putting