JENNIFER SEEMED to have to fight to keep her voice from exploding. “Kids are supposed to be aggressive. It’s football, Mr. Fisk.” “It’s a symptom of the greater problem.” Jennifer turned to Harrison. Speaking in a soft voice, she asked, “What happened, Harrison?” “In football?” “In school today.” “He stood in front of the entire class and refused to sit down,” Mr. Fisk said. “Then he snapped Mrs. Zebolt’s ruler and threw it at her.” “I didn’t throw it at her,” Harrison said. Jennifer turned a glare at the principal that belied the gentleness of her voice. “Mr. Fisk, I’m asking Harrison his version of what happened. That’s customary in cases like this.” “Mrs. Kelly, please, this isn’t a case.” The principal’s brow added four more lines of worry. “Whatever you call it, I’d like to hear what my son has to say.” Her words didn’t leave room for anything else. “Go on, Harrison.” Harrison looked at his hands. “I did a math problem at the board.
