Students began whispering again—this time not about Alejandro, but about their teacher.

The principal inhaled deeply.

“Mrs. López, pending clarification, you are relieved of your duties.”

She didn’t argue.

Miguel placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. Alejandro stood tall now. The trembling was gone.

The officers secured the footage. The colonel approached Miguel.

“You did well not to give in,” he said quietly.

“I didn’t want favors,” Miguel replied. “Only fairness.”

“And that’s what you got.”

The students slowly packed up. Two boys approached Alejandro.

“We knew it wasn’t you,” one said.

“Sorry we didn’t speak up sooner,” added another.

Alejandro nodded silently.

They walked down the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the near-empty building.

“Dad…” Alejandro said softly.

“Yes?”

“I thought no one would believe me.”

Miguel stopped and met his son’s eyes.

“As long as you’re honest, I’ll always stand with you.”

Alejandro swallowed.

“It was awful when she emptied my backpack in front of everyone.”

Miguel’s jaw tightened, but his tone remained calm.

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