CHAPTER FORTY NINE

CHAPTER 49

Mrs. Wilkins pursed her lips, her expression softening as she looked at her student. "I understand your concern for your friend, but reassigning group members is not the solution. It would just encourage Caleb's aggressive behavior and send the incorrect message to the rest of the class."

Dylan's shoulders slumped and his hopes deflated like a ruptured balloon. "But how about Lila?" It's not fair for her to have to cope with Caleb's antics on top of everything else.

Mrs. Wilkins leaned forward, her face determined. "Dylan, I understand your frustration. But the reality is that we can't keep Lila or anybody else safe from people like Caleb forever. They'll eventually have to learn how to advocate for themselves and manage challenging situations."

Dylan opened his lips to object, but Mrs. Wilkins raised her hand, effectively silencing him.

"However," she said, "that doesn't mean we'll ignore Caleb's behavior. I'll talk to him and his parents about the consequences of his acti