A Father's Judgment

Avery’s small, trembling fingers dug into the thick green leaves of the potted money tree. She pressed her lips into a thin, bloodless line, refusing to make a single sound. The heavy footsteps outside the office grew louder, vibrating through the floorboards.

*What happens now? Will Mommy come? Will she yell at me? I’ve only been in school for two days. I’m already in trouble.*

Her wide eyes d