A dozen parents walked through the archway holding styrofoam coffee cups.

Vanessa immediately took two quick steps backward toward the new arrivals.

“Please stop shouting at me,” Vanessa said loudly.

Her voice echoed off the polished marble floor.

Claire moved forward to close the distance between them.

“Don’t play the victim with me,” Claire said.

She pointed her finger again.

“You’re a coward and a liar.”