Eric swallowed hard against the sudden tightness in his throat.
The sound was loud in his own ears in the crushing silence that had followed the Principal's declaration.
A desperate silent scream of injustice echoed in the chaotic confines of his mind. But I didn't even do it! I didn't ask for any of this! I didn't create a new group! And yet I'm the one who has to endure the consequences. I have to face the scrutiny the pressure! He felt a surge of profound helpless frustration.
It was a feeling of being a puppet in a play orchestrated by forces he couldn't control let alone understand. He was being judged for the actions of a powerful being that wore his face but was not him.
With a monumental effort that felt like lifting a mountain Eric summoned a sliver of courage.
It came from the deepest most terrified corners of his soul. He forced his trembling muscles to obey.
He lifted his head slowly defiantly.
