The announcement came during the academy's weekly assembly, when the entire student body and faculty were gathered in the auditorium for what was supposed to be routine administrative updates. I was sitting with Roni, both of us distracted by our phones, when Headmaster Sterling called Alexander to the stage.
"Mr. Calloway has requested the opportunity to address the student body regarding recent events and personal decisions," the headmaster announced, his voice carrying the kind of careful neutrality that suggested he'd been pressured into allowing this speech.
Alexander walked onto the stage looking composed and serious, wearing his formal academy blazer and the kind of expression that suggested whatever he was about to say had been carefully planned. My stomach clenched with unease—w
