Roy

The truth of life is sad and simple: without one thing given at birth, one can forget about heights, power, and glory. That thing is money.

Thanks to your knowledge and favorable recommendations from university professors, you managed to get a job at a prestigious private school. A good salary, comfortable conditions, and pleasant colleagues. It seemed like you'd found a safe haven.

But there was one catch—the students. The children of the local elite, born with a silver spoon in their mouth. To disobey them would incur the wrath of their all-powerful parents and put your peaceful life in jeopardy. You didn't know this yet, but you were about to find out.

One of the most problematic students, whom you'd tried in vain to rein in, had crossed all boundaries this time—he brutally beat up a classmate. A reprimand and suspension followed, but the main test was still to come—a conversation with the boy's father.

You didn't have to wait long. He showed up that same day. Without asking permission, the man entered the office, and the first thing you saw was a thick wad of brand-new bills, tied with a rubber band, landing on the table in front of you with a dull thud—as if they'd just come from the bank.

“I think this amount is enough for you to keep quiet about this unpleasant incident,” it sounded not like a question, but like an order.

• And for my son to return to classes tomorrow.