- 10 hours ago
EngSub The_Girl_by_the_Trash_Can_18_Years_to_Shred_Her_Bully_ 🌎Aurora
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Short filmTranscript
00:02When I was 11, my father died on a pack hunt.
00:05The academy headmistress, Margaret, pointed at my mother at the parent-teacher conference.
00:10With your family background, she'll be lucky to finish this year.
00:13She might as well stop now.
00:15Don't drag down my pack's honor.
00:17In the great hall, my mother dropped to her knees in front of all the other parents,
00:21begged her to give me one more chance.
00:23Margaret turned away, didn't even look at her.
00:25After that, she moved my desk to the back of the classroom,
00:28the corner spot, right next to the trash can.
00:30The other kids joined in,
00:32stuffing rotten mandaro roots and broken potion bottles into my bag.
00:35I went to Margaret to report it.
00:37She looked at me coldly.
00:38Miss Margaret, they put these in my bag.
00:41A wolf doesn't bite without reason.
00:43Why doesn't anyone else get bullied?
00:45Just you?
00:46That was the day I learned that grown-ups could be this cruel.
00:49My mother set up a stall at 3 each morning.
00:52Her hands covered in burn scars from stirring broth pots.
00:55She used that money to put me through school.
00:57Eighteen years later, I became the new chancellor of Silvermoon Academy.
01:01The finest school in the werewolf world.
01:04The honors admission scholarship.
01:06A ticket to the royal warriors or even the elder council.
01:09The application file landed on my desk.
01:12A girl.
01:13Top marks.
01:14First in combat.
01:15Endorsed by every single instructor.
01:18I flipped to the last page.
01:19The family information section.
01:21My hand stopped.
01:22That name.
01:24The woman who made my mother kneeled.
01:27I stared at it for a long time.
01:29I closed the file and called my assistant.
01:31Replace her.
01:35My assistant, Rex, thought he misheard.
01:38What did you say?
01:40Replace Mia Grahamleith?
01:41He straightened up fast.
01:42Both hands pressing on my desk.
01:44I said replace her.
01:46I pulled Mia Graysmoth's file and dropped it into the shredder.
01:49No, you can't do this.
01:51Rex's face turned red.
01:52Mia is the best candidate this year.
01:54Top marks.
01:55First in combat.
01:57Even the royal warriors recruiting team have asked about her.
01:59Besides her, who else deserves this scholarship?
02:02I slid a new file across the desk.
02:04Noah Ashwood.
02:05Rex froze.
02:06The poor kid from the Edgelands?
02:08His family can't even afford a training amulet.
02:10Rex pushed the file back.
02:12What can Noah do besides study?
02:13He can be a morally decent person.
02:15In the assessment criterias, the characters and morals weigh a third.
02:19Her morality scores have never been flagged.
02:21I cut him off.
02:22Whether or not I have my judgment, take Noah's file and process it.
02:26Chancellor, think twice and consider who Mia's grandmother is.
02:29Before I could answer, my office door slammed open.
02:32No knock.
02:33Chancellor Marsh, I hear you're giving my scholarship to that nobody Noah?
02:37She was beautiful.
02:38Chin high.
02:39That born with it sense of superiority.
02:41I sat back in my chair and looked at her.
02:44So familiar.
02:44That arrogance.
02:46That cruelty towards anyone beneath her.
02:48Just like her grandmother, Margaret.
02:50I don't care who she is.
02:51For this scholarship to royal warriors, the Chancellor has veto power.
02:54I'm exercising my authority.
02:56Is that against the rules, Rex?
02:57And you.
02:58This is my office.
02:59Get out.
03:00Knock before you are called in.
03:02Mia sneered.
03:03Arms crossed.
03:04Chancellor Marsh, did Noah's family bribe you?
03:06I don't believe a poor family like his can offer much.
03:09I'll double it.
03:10I leaned back.
03:11Your paper looks excellent.
03:12Top marks in everything.
03:13That's a fact.
03:15Mia boosted in confidence.
03:16Is it?
03:17Then why won't you take the exam yourself?
03:19I held her gaze.
03:20No smile.
03:21No anger.
03:22Just the truth.
03:23What are you afraid of?
03:24That in the royal warriors open trial, the poor kid from nowhere might beat you?
03:28Mia's face went pale.
03:30Then red.
03:30You're lying.
03:31I can't lose to garbage like him.
03:33Then take the open trial.
03:35I pointed at the door.
03:36Your file is already shred.
03:38Now, get out.
03:39Mia's lips pressed together.
03:40Eyes burning red.
03:42Shaking.
03:42Clara Marsh.
03:44You dare do this?
03:45My grandmother will teach you regret.
03:48She spun around and ran out.
03:50The door slammed.
03:52Teach me regret?
03:53I don't regret it.
03:5418 years.
03:55I've waited 18 years for this day to come.
03:58The next morning, a black luxury car pulled into the academy grounds.
04:02She looked older than 18 years ago.
04:04But the arrogance was the same.
04:06That pampered, born with it superiority.
04:08Though retired, she still held the title of honorary chairwoman of the education committee.
04:13Vice-Chancellor Thorne greeted her personally.
04:16His back bent low.
04:18My office door opened.
04:20Margaret walked in.
04:22Her eyes scanned the room.
04:23Thorne shot me a look, then closed the door behind him.
04:26Chancellor Marsh.
04:28Young and accomplished.
04:30She sat on the sofa, crossed her legs, like she'd never left.
04:33She didn't recognize me.
04:35That skinny girl in faded clothes, sitting in the corner.
04:38Next to the trash can.
04:39The girl she'd thrown away.
04:41But the girl was no longer what she used to be.
04:44Chairwoman Gray's mail.
04:45To what do I owe the honor?
04:47I didn't move from my desk.
04:48Didn't offer her a drink.
04:49Her brow tridged.
04:51She wasn't used to this.
04:52Let me be direct.
04:53She pulled out a recommendation form.
04:55Placed it on the coffee table.
04:57About Mia's scholarship.
04:59I believe you may have made a misjudgment.
05:00She leaned back.
05:02Mia is gifted.
05:03I trained her myself.
05:04Her abilities are more than enough.
05:06I haven't misjudged anything.
05:07I looked at her.
05:08Mia Graymourne's grades are excellent.
05:09That's true.
05:10But her moral character?
05:11On my desk, she fails.
05:13Margaret's smile didn't drop, but her eyes went cold.
05:17Margaret's smile disappeared.
05:19Character assessment?
05:21You're blocking a genius with this?
05:23Don't you think that's ridiculous?
05:25Ridiculous?
05:27I opened my drawer, pulled out a stack of papers.
05:31Copies of disciplinary records.
05:33Year one.
05:33Mia Grayslated her deskmate because the girl was prettier.
05:36Got the whole class to turn on her.
05:37The girl was caught in severe depression and transferred out.
05:41Year two.
05:42She sabotaged Noah's potion bottle in the lab.
05:44Why?
05:45Because he scored one point higher than her on the last test.
05:48These were buried.
05:49No demarist or any punishment.
05:51Because she's your granddaughter.
05:53I slid the stack across the desk.
05:55A student like this wants the direct way to the royal warriors?
05:58Possible?
05:59Margaret glanced at the papers.
06:01Clara.
06:01She sighed, that lecturing tone.
06:04You're still young.
06:05Let me teach you something.
06:07She leaned back.
06:08Geniuses have tempers.
06:10That's normal.
06:11The future of our kind.
06:13They deserve privileges.
06:15She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses.
06:17The ones who get hurt?
06:18They should blame themselves.
06:21For being weak.
06:22For not being strong enough.
06:23Then she smiled.
06:25A wolf doesn't bite without reason, Chancellor Marsh.
06:27Why doesn't anyone else get bullied?
06:29My blood froze.
06:30Work in by blend here.
06:32Eighteen years.
06:33Word for word.
06:34I stared at her face.
06:35False and self-righteous.
06:37Exactly the same as eighteen years ago.
06:39I stood up.
06:40My voice came out cold as ice.
06:42Mrs. Grey's hand.
06:43With me here, there are no victim blaming.
06:45Your law of the jungle?
06:47Leave it outside my door.
06:48Margaret's face went dark.
06:50All pretend gone.
06:51Clara Marsh.
06:52She said my name like a curse.
06:54I came here today to give you a chance.
06:57A way out with your dignity intact.
07:02She walked to the door.
07:04Stopped.
07:07Since you refuse to take it, we'll see who's still standing at the end.
07:14The storm came faster than I expected.
07:16One day, that's all it took.
07:18A post appeared on Silvermoon Academy's forum.
07:2010,000 views within hours.
07:22Chancellor abuses power.
07:23Prodigy loses to a nobody.
07:25The post listed me as medals.
07:27Then painted Noah as a boy with no talent.
07:29Good at nothing but a hard-working nerd.
07:32The hint was clear.
07:33I took bribes.
07:34The comments turned vicious overnight.
07:36Fire her.
07:37She's destroying the Academy.
07:38Who the hell does she think she is?
07:40Some parents called the Royal Hotline.
07:42Demanded my removal.
07:442 p.m.
07:45Vice-Chancellor Thorne walked into my office with a few core professors.
07:50Chancellor!
07:51Stammed a stack of printed posts on my desk!
07:54Chancellor!
07:54Look at this!
07:56The Academy's reputation is destroyed!
07:59Crossing Margaret Grazman?
08:01One word from her and our funding gets cut in half next year.
08:05He leaned in.
08:07The professors joined in.
08:08Chancellor, just back down.
08:09It's not too late.
08:11I listened.
08:12Didn't interrupt.
08:14When they finished, I looked up.
08:17Done?
08:21Silence.
08:23Done talking?
08:24Then go teach.
08:25This is an Academy.
08:27Not a market.
08:28Chancellor.
08:29You're pushing this whole Academy into a fire in it.
08:31If you insist on this path,
08:33we have no choice but to strike!
08:35I pointed at the door.
08:37The door is there.
08:38Anyone who doesn't want to teach,
08:40go to HR.
08:41Submit your resignation.
08:44I won't stop you.
08:46And no one will stop me.
08:47I picked up my phone.
08:49Opened the forum again.
08:50I saw Margaret's comment.
08:52Playing the victim again.
08:54I typed a reply.
08:55Margaret, say it to my face.
08:58Or shall I start posting proof?
09:00Within minutes, the post was gone.
09:03She was watching.
09:04Good.
09:05Soon.
09:05My desk phone rang.
09:06I picked it up.
09:07Clara, you've stirred up quite a storm.
09:09It was the director of the Education Committee.
09:11Margaret Grayman may be retired,
09:13but her son still holds power.
09:15The pressure from above is immense.
09:17The committee has decided.
09:18We're suspending your authority over admissions
09:20and scholarship recommendations,
09:21effective immediately.
09:22I gripped the receiver.
09:24Director, I followed every rule.
09:25This isn't about rules!
09:27He cut me off.
09:28It's about consequences.
09:30Tomorrow, 9 a.m., a special hearing.
09:32The Elder Council will be there.
09:33You will apologize publicly.
09:35You will restore me a Grasmert Scholarship.
09:37And this all goes away.
09:39If you keep pushing,
09:40no one will be able to save you.
09:42The line went dead.
09:43The dial tone echoed through my empty office.
09:46I walked to the window.
09:47Outside the academy gates,
09:49media vans had already gathered.
09:51Cameras pointed at the entrance.
09:53They were all waiting for me to bow my head tomorrow.
09:55Then I opened the bottom drawer of my desk.
09:57An old newspaper from 18 years ago.
09:59Thick stacks of medical records.
10:01I ran my fingers over the cover.
10:03My mother's voice came back.
10:04Keep everything, Clara.
10:06One day, you'll need it.
10:07Apologize or no one will be able to save me?
10:09Wrong.
10:10Only I know how to save myself.
10:12For now and 18 years ago.
10:15The next morning, 9 a.m.,
10:17the Elder Council chamber was packed.
10:19Margaret sat on the right.
10:20Mia beside her, chin high.
10:21I sat alone on the left.
10:23The head of the council raised his hand.
10:24Chancellor Marsh,
10:25you vetoed Mia Grasmagg's scholarship.
10:28Mia's grades are excellent,
10:29but the character weighs one-third of the assessment.
10:31Her moral record is not excellent.
10:33Margaret smiled.
10:34She wasn't worried.
10:35Chairwoman Grasmagg, your response?
10:37Margaret stood, smooth, polished.
10:40Young students have tempers.
10:42That's normal.
10:43You can't expect her to be friends with everyone, can you?
10:45Then she smiled.
10:47Young people may have disagreements.
10:48Does this petty issue deserve to ruin their future?
10:52She adjusted her glasses.
10:54Chandler Marsh is still young, in my view.
10:57This disagreement is no big deal.
10:59I don't wish this to affect her job after we settle this dispute.
11:02The room murmured.
11:04Heads nodded.
11:05They agreed with her.
11:06The head pushed a document towards me.
11:08Sign this.
11:09Restore Mia scholarship.
11:10This all goes away.
11:11I looked at the paper.
11:13Then I reached into my bag.
11:14I have a question first.
11:16I pulled out an old document.
11:18Yellowed.
11:1918 years old.
11:20I held it up for the council to see.
11:22Do you recognize this, Chairman's Greymon?
11:25Margaret's smile flickered.
11:27The room went silent.
11:28Mia looked at me, confused.
11:30Margaret glanced at the report.
11:31Didn't pick it up.
11:32This has no conclusion.
11:34I was never punished.
11:35It's just a piece of paper.
11:37Is this all you have?
11:39Do you remember the girl whose mother knelt?
11:41Margaret's smile held.
11:43No, I don't.
11:44But you remember the report.
11:45Funny.
11:46Margaret adjusted her glasses.
11:47I've taught thousands of students.
11:49I can't remember every single one.
11:51She said it like my mother's tears meant nothing.
11:53Without proof, I could sue you for slander.
11:55The room watched.
11:56Waited.
11:57I reached into my bag.
11:58Pulled out a memory crystal.
11:59My father's last gift.
12:01My mother kept it all those years.
12:03This is proof.
12:04I placed it on the table.
12:06The crystal glowed.
12:0818 years ago filled the room.
12:10My mother on her knees.
12:11Margaret turning away.
12:13My desk in the corner.
12:14Next to the trash can.
12:16Her voice cut through.
12:17A wolf doesn't bite without reason.
12:19Why doesn't anyone else get bullied?
12:21Just you?
12:22The chamber went silent.
12:23Margaret's face didn't change.
12:25But her hands did.
12:26Just a tremor.
12:27Then gone.
12:28So what?
12:28That was 18 years ago.
12:30She turned to the council.
12:32Chantler Marsh isn't here for justice.
12:34She's here for revenge.
12:35She's using my granddaughter to get revenge on me.
12:38She adjusted her glasses.
12:39And that, distinguished council members, is an abuse of power.
12:43The room murmured.
12:44Heads turned to me.
12:45I was no longer the victim.
12:47I was the villain.
12:48The head of the council turned to me.
12:50Chancellor Marsh, you admit you know Margaret Graysmorin.
12:53You admit you have history.
12:55How can we be sure your veto is fair?
12:57Murmurs of agreement.
12:58Margaret smiled.
12:59So that's your reason for being unfair to Mia.
13:02You thought I was wrong 18 years ago.
13:05Is this how you make it right?
13:06I ignored her words.
13:07Took a breath.
13:08My veto is fair.
13:10And I'm not the only witness.
13:11I turned to the door.
13:12Come in.
13:13The door opened.
13:14A girl walked in.
13:15Pale.
13:15Shaking.
13:16But her eyes were steady.
13:18Mia's face went pale.
13:19The chamber went quiet.
13:20My name is Emma.
13:21I was Mia's deskmate.
13:24She held up medical records.
13:25She made my life hell.
13:27I tried to kill myself twice.
13:29She looked at Margaret.
13:30I appealed to the academy for help.
13:32But you came and told me I was too sensitive.
13:35That Mia was gifted.
13:37A pause.
13:38That I should ask myself why it was me who got bullied.
13:41The council members inhaled.
13:44Margaret's smile was gone.
13:45Emma didn't stop.
13:47Year one.
13:49She called me ugly every day.
13:51Got the whole class to laugh.
13:53She pulled out another paper.
13:55Year two.
13:56She poured potion on my homework.
13:58When I reported it, they said there was insufficient evidence.
14:02She looked at Margaret.
14:03Year three.
14:04I transferred out.
14:05Because I couldn't take it anymore.
14:07The chamber buzzed.
14:08Angry now.
14:09The head of the council turned to Margaret.
14:11Chairwoman Grazeman, did you cover up these complaints?
14:14Margaret didn't answer.
14:16She didn't need to.
14:17Her silence was enough.
14:18The head raised his hand.
14:19The council's judgment was clear.
14:21Mia Graymonth's scholarship suspended.
14:23Pending further investigation.
14:25Chairman Graymonth, you will also be investigated.
14:28Margaret stood.
14:30Slow.
14:31Dignified.
14:32She looked at me.
14:33Cold.
14:33Smart.
14:34She walked out.
14:35At the door, she paused.
14:37But this isn't over, Clara.
14:38This isn't over yet.
14:40Because the next morning, Margaret held a press conference.
14:43Margaret said bitterly,
14:45Clara Marsh is using her power to get revenge on me.
14:47I was strict with her 18 years ago.
14:50Too strict, perhaps.
14:51Whatever the past, it was all past.
14:53But this, this is personal.
14:56She's destroying my granddaughter's future.
14:58Not because Mia did anything wrong.
15:00Because Clara Marsh personally hates me.
15:04This isn't fair.
15:05This is an abuse of power.
15:07The headlines hit by noon.
15:09Silver Moon Academy Chancellor Marsh.
15:11Justice or revenge?
15:12I sat in my office.
15:14Read every word.
15:15She had turned herself into a flawed woman.
15:17But still the victim.
15:19And me, the villain instead.
15:21Was this all you'd be capable of, Margaret?
15:23I picked up my phone.
15:24Rex, get me the name list of every student Mia bullied.
15:29I need every single one on the list.
15:32This wasn't about my personal revenge anymore.
15:34This was about proof that would bring many to seek their own revenge.
15:38Margaret attacked me being personal.
15:39I would let her know.
15:41When one seeks revenge, it's personal.
15:43When many do, the public calls it justice.
15:46And I was going to unite and give many of them that chance.
15:50No matter what situation I came across.
15:53My phone buzzed.
15:55Resign Chancellor Marsh.
15:57Or we vote you out.
15:58Three days later, Margaret's son controlled the Academy's donors.
16:03One by one, they pulled funding.
16:05The board called me in.
16:06Resign or vote, Chancellor Marsh.
16:09Your decision.
16:11I looked at them.
16:13No.
16:14They voted.
16:15The media had a field day.
16:17Revenge-obsessed Chancellor fired.
16:19Margaret went on talk shows.
16:21Her voice soft.
16:22Fake.
16:22I personally never wanted Chancellor Marsh to fall.
16:25Young people make mistakes.
16:28I understand that.
16:29But for Mia and for other students like her, I have no objection to this change.
16:34On screen, Mia packed her things for the Royal Warriors.
16:37While Clara was about to be removed from office.
16:40At the same time, I was packing my office.
16:43The diary.
16:44The crystal.
16:44Emma's medical records.
16:46Then I drove to the old neighborhood.
16:48The street where my mother sold soup.
16:50I sat on the curb.
16:51Let the media film my defeat.
16:53Then my phone buzzed.
16:54I'm ready.
16:56Another buzz.
16:57Another victim.
16:58Then another.
16:59Twelve messages.
17:00They thought I was defeated.
17:01No, it wasn't over yet.
17:02I was waiting for...
17:04My phone buzzed again.
17:06Breaking news.
17:08Investigation report.
17:09Mia Grazmer bullied twelve students over five years.
17:13I smiled.
17:14There it was.
17:15The last war cry.
17:16And I was ready.
17:17I didn't go back to the academy.
17:19I went to a lawyer.
17:20Twelve victims.
17:21One bully.
17:22Let's make it a class action.
17:23Two months later.
17:24Courtroom.
17:25Packed.
17:26Twelve students sat in the front row.
17:28Emma in the middle.
17:29Margaret sat on the defense side.
17:31Mia beside her.
17:32For once, Mia wasn't smiling.
17:34The lawyer stood up.
17:35This is not Clara Marsh versus Margaret Greymate.
17:38This is twelve students versus Mia Greymate.
17:41Emma went first.
17:42She called me ugly every day.
17:44I tried to kill myself twice.
17:45Another girl.
17:47She poured potion on my homework.
17:48Then spread rumors that I was crazy.
17:51A boy.
17:52She broke my arm during training.
17:53Said it was an accident.
17:54It wasn't.
17:55Each story was a knife.
17:57The courtroom went choir with each one.
17:59Margaret tried to object.
18:00This is being orchestrated by Clara.
18:02I will not have you interrupt the witness.
18:06The judge cut her off.
18:07These are their words.
18:08Sit down.
18:09Mia was crying.
18:10But crying wouldn't save her or her grandmother.
18:13Margaret took the stand.
18:15The lawyer approached.
18:16Mrs. Graysman, did you know about Mia's behavior?
18:18Did you cover up complaints on her behalf?
18:20Margaret smiled.
18:21I documented every complaint.
18:23Filed them properly.
18:24The academy chose not to act.
18:26That's not my responsibility.
18:28Madam, you may have others to question about this.
18:30The lawyer paused.
18:32She was good.
18:33Too cunning.
18:34Then why did Emma say you told her she was too sensitive?
18:37Emma was a troubled girl.
18:38She misinterpreted my words.
18:40I only tried to help her.
18:41Margaret looked at the jury.
18:42It's sad, really.
18:44Some students can't handle the pressure.
18:46They blame others instead of looking inward.
18:47She was doing it again, twisting the truth.
18:50The lawyer turned to me, nodded.
18:52I stood up.
18:52Mrs. Graysmare, do you remember a teacher named Sarah Collins?
18:56Margaret's face flishered.
18:57Just for a second.
18:58No.
18:59Strange.
19:00She remembers you.
19:01I pulled out a file.
19:02Sarah Collins, year 15.
19:04She reported Mia for breaking a student's arm.
19:07Three weeks later.
19:08You fired her three weeks later.
19:10Margaret's jaw tightened.
19:11False accusations.
19:12She was incompetent.
19:14You're remembering now?
19:15The courtroom buzzed.
19:16The judge called a recess.
19:17Emma sat beside me in the hallway.
19:19Are we winning?
19:20Justice will.
19:21The court returned.
19:22Margaret walked past me.
19:23Stopped.
19:24You think this makes you a hero?
19:25No.
19:25It makes us even.
19:26She glanced at Emma.
19:27Smiled.
19:28Walked in.
19:29The judge called Emma back to the stand.
19:31Margaret's lawyer approached.
19:32You say Mia bullied you.
19:34Any proof?
19:35My medical records.
19:36My transfer.
19:37Those prove you were struggling.
19:38Not that Mia did anything.
19:40Emma's lip trembled.
19:41You were always crying, Emma.
19:42For attention.
19:43The room went silent.
19:45The judge frowned.
19:46Mrs. Graysman, do not address the witness.
19:48Just observing, Your Honor.
19:50Some students blame others.
19:51It's sad, really.
19:52Emma's eyes filled with tears.
19:54I stood up.
19:56Your Honor.
19:57She's intimidating the witness.
19:58Sit down.
19:59I'm telling the truth.
20:00One more word, Mrs. Graysmail.
20:02Contempt.
20:03Margaret sat back, smiled, but the damage was done.
20:06The jury had seen Emma cry.
20:08She's just emotional.
20:09Maybe she's exaggerating.
20:11Emma left in tears.
20:14I found her in the hallway.
20:15I'm sorry.
20:17I couldn't.
20:18You did fine.
20:20She made me feel like I deserved it.
20:22I put my hand on her shoulder.
20:24That's what she does.
20:25How do you fight someone like that?
20:26You don't fight her game.
20:27You change the rules.
20:28She didn't understand yet.
20:30She would.
20:31The court returned.
20:32I took the stand.
20:33Margaret's lawyer approached.
20:34You hate Mrs. Graysmuth.
20:36Admit it.
20:37I admit she ruined my childhood.
20:38Personal hatred.
20:40No.
20:41Justice.
20:41Margaret leaned forward.
20:43Spoke to the jury.
20:44Eighteen years of hatred.
20:46Does that sound like justice?
20:48I kept calm.
20:49Mrs. Graysmarra, you remember my mother, don't you?
20:51The soup vendor?
20:52On her knees?
20:53Pathetic.
20:54The room went cold.
20:55Some people don't belong here.
20:56What did my mother do wrong?
20:58She couldn't provide for you.
21:00Not my fault.
21:01So you punished me because she was poor?
21:02Margaret's smile tightened.
21:04I treated you like everyone else.
21:06You moved my desk to the trash can.
21:07You were disruptive.
21:09I was eleven.
21:09My father just died.
21:11Margaret's voice rose.
21:12Everyone has problems.
21:14Your mother sold soup.
21:15Other mothers were doctors.
21:16Lawyers.
21:17That's life.
21:17The court went silent.
21:19She had said it out loud.
21:20So you admit, you treated me differently because my mother was poor.
21:24Margaret's face flittered.
21:26Too late.
21:27Step down.
21:28The judge looked at her.
21:29She stood, hands shaking.
21:32We got her.
21:33She got herself.
21:34The jury returned after two hours.
21:36On the charge of misconduct against Margaret Graysman, guilty.
21:40Margaret didn't move.
21:41On the charge of obstruction of justice, guilty.
21:45Margaret stood, slow, dignified, but her hands were shaking.
21:48On the charge of bullying against Mia Graysman, guilty.
21:51All scholarships were vaked.
21:52All qualifications voided.
21:53Permanent.
21:54Mia started crying.
21:55Loud.
21:56Ugly.
21:56The judge looked at Margaret Ann again.
21:58Margaret Grayman, you are banned from the education system.
22:03Effective immediately.
22:04You will never hold a title again.
22:05You will never teach again.
22:07She didn't speak.
22:08Didn't look at anyone.
22:09She walked past me.
22:10Stopped.
22:11You destroyed my family.
22:13No, you did to more than 12 families.
22:15You could have stopped.
22:16Anytime.
22:16You didn't.
22:17Margaret walked out.
22:19Do something!
22:21Grandma!
22:23Margaret didn't turn around.
22:24Three months later, the board reinstated me.
22:27No objections.
22:28No speeches.
22:30I walked back, Iraq, into my office.
22:35Empty.
22:38Cold.
22:40Waiting.
22:41The diary.
22:42The crystal.
22:43Emma's medical records.
22:44Sarah Collins, termination letter.
22:46Twelve student files.
22:48I put them back in the drawer.
22:50Locked it.
22:51Some things I would never forget.
22:53But I didn't need to carry them anymore.
22:55Then I picked up my phone.
22:56Noah's acceptance letter to the Royal Warriors.
22:59Signed.
23:01My phone buzzed.
23:02A message.
23:03Chancellor Marsh, thank you.
23:05Not because of the scholarship.
23:06Because you taught me that being a decent person matters more than anything.
23:09My mother cried when she read your letter.
23:11She said no one ever believed in us before.
23:13Thank you for seeing us.
23:15Every student deserves to be seen.
23:17Emma came back to the academy.
23:19First day of the new term.
23:20She stood in the hallway.
23:21The same hallway where Mia used to laugh at her.
23:24She didn't flinch.
23:25She walked to her classroom.
23:26Head high.
23:27The other eleven students returned too.
23:29One by one.
23:31Some still flinched.
23:32Some still looked over their shoulders.
23:34But they stayed.
23:35That was enough.
23:37That was everything.
23:38The last day of the year I went to the cemetery.
23:40Snow on the ground.
23:41Cold wind.
23:42The kind of day my mother used to work through without complaint.
23:45Her grave.
23:46Simple.
23:47Small.
23:47Just how she lived.
23:48I knelt down.
23:49Brushed the snow off the stone.
23:51I kept my promise, mom.
23:52They see us now.
23:54The students.
23:55The teachers.
23:56Everyone who was afraid to speak.
23:58The girl you knelt for.
24:00She's not a girl anymore.
24:02She's the chancellor.
24:04I smiled.
24:05You'd laugh at that.
24:10You always said I talk too much.
24:13The wind blew.
24:15I closed my eyes.
24:17For a moment.
24:18Just a moment.
24:18I felt her.
24:20Not in the wind.
24:21Not in the snow.
24:22In me.
24:23I stood up.
24:24Brushed off my knees.
24:26I love you, mom.
24:27I love you too, Clara.
24:28No one said it.
24:29But I heard it.
24:31I walked back to the academy.
24:32The sun was setting.
24:33The lights were coming on.
24:35Students walked through the gates.
24:37Laughing.
24:37Arguing.
24:38Carrying books.
24:39And dreams.
24:40Tomorrow there would be new battles.
24:42New complaints.
24:43New margarts.
24:44But tonight?
24:45Tonight I rest.
24:46Peaceful.
24:47For the first time in 18 years.
24:49I'm a new man.
24:49I'm a new man.
24:49I'm a new man.
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