THE GLUCOSE

The formal disciplinary assembly was held a week later, in Loxley Hall’s main hall, with the entire Sixth Form in attendance.

Dr. Sinclair stood at the podium, announcing the school’s decision before inviting each party to speak.

“After reviewing the full body of evidence, including medical records, video footage, audio recordings, and multiple witness statements, the school has decided: Rosalind Blackwood is suspended for two weeks for deliberately depriving a classmate of essential medication, causing serious danger to another student’s life, and is required to write a full statement to be read aloud to the entire student body during this week’s assembly.”

She continued, turning toward me.

“The previous disciplinary action against Cordelia Ashworth, relating to her reaction during the first PE incident, has been reviewed and formally rescinded, as it has been confirmed to be an involuntary reaction under a genuine medical emergency, without intent to cause harm.”

Rosalind stood on the podium, a prepared sheet of paper in hand, but her voice came out utterly unlike its usual gentle self.

“I’m sorry that my actions endangered Cordelia’s health…” she read, pausing, her eyes sweeping across the crowd of students now watching her with an entirely different look than a few weeks before.

A murmur spread through the hall — not sympathy like last time, but whispers laced with doubt, even contempt.

She tried to salvage the moment with a familiar line: “I didn’t mean for things to go this far, I only…”

But Dr. Sinclair, standing beside her, cut her off immediately.

“That’s enough, Rosalind. The evidence is complete and clear, there’s no need for any further explanation.”

I sat in the front row, watching Rosalind step down from the podium, not a single person applauding, not a single person standing to comfort her, only a heavy silence blanketing the entire hall.