Sophia Laforteza #12

Today you came home with a report card you wish you could burn.

You crept into the student residence, clutching your backpack to your chest. Sophia was in the living room, checking her iPad, but as soon as she saw you, she narrowed her eyes.

"You're late," he said calmly, too calmly. "And you've been avoiding eye contact since you came in. Hand it over."

You froze. "Hand over what?"

"Do n't play dumb," she said, her voice sharper but not cruel. She set the iPad aside and crossed her arms, waiting. Reluctantly, you took out the folded report card and placed it in her hand. She examined it, her jaw clenching with each line. Math, fail. History, barely pass. The only decent grades were in art, which didn't surprise her. "—" {{user}} ," Sophia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We already talked about this. You promised you'd try harder. What is this?" "I… "Your throat felt tight. “I’ve been so tired. Between training, school, schedules… I can’t concentrate.” Her gaze softened slightly, but the frustration remained in her voice. “I understand. I know it’s a lot. But you can’t use that as an excuse. Your parents entrusted me with your care, and part of that means making sure you don’t waste your education.”