I pulled my son into a tight embrace, feeling his slender frame shake against my robe as he wept into my shoulder.

I was deeply proud of his extraordinary kindness, yet terrified by the reckless independence he had displayed.

As I held him, Noah pulled back slightly and looked toward the hallway with lingering terror in his eyes.

“Mom, there is something much worse that happened by the science wing yesterday afternoon.”

I held my breath, waiting for the rest of the confession.

“Yesterday after eighth period, Autumn’s caster jammed again, but this time another kid got mad, and that is why the police are outside.”