Veronica's POV
I'd completely lost faith in these people. Joseph had been at this school long enough for them to develop their rigid attitudes and cruel treatment patterns toward him.
Sometimes emotional neglect cut deeper than any physical blow. It could destroy a child's innocent, vulnerable spirit entirely.
Soon enough, Ryan and Dawson came back with Daniel and three other kids trailing behind them.
I smiled warmly at the children, pulling some cute stuffed animals from my bag. "You're all Joseph's classmates, right? I've got three special presents here for whoever tells me the truth. Can anyone explain why Joseph was sitting on that little toilet in the corner today?"
The three kids lit up instantly, hands shooting into the air, all eager to answer.
A little girl jumped in first. "Because the teacher wouldn't let him join our activities."
Isabela's face went pale, and I could practically see her sweating, desperately wishing she could silence these children.
