Caught by Principal Howard

The clock on the wall seemed to tick slower with every passing minute. Krissy's heart raced as she attempted to calm her thoughts, reminding herself that she was close to freedom. But a heavy dread settled in the pit of her stomach, making her feel nauseated.

Suddenly, the front doors to the bus station swung open. There stood Principal Howard, his eyes scanning the room with an intensity that unnerved Krissy.

She wished she could melt into the seat and become invisible.

“Krissy,” Principal Howard growled, making his way toward her. His towering figure seemed even more intimidating in the dim light of the station.

Krissy tried to gather her courage, standing up slowly, her voice barely above a whisper, “Principal Howard, what are you doing here?”

“That money you took wasn't a gift, Krissy. Did you think you could just run off with it, and no one would notice?” His voice was low but carried a nasty edge.

Her eyes welled up with tears, “I...I just wanted a way out.”

His face contorted with disgust. “That doesn’t give you the right to steal. And certainly not from me.”

Despite her fear, Krissy retorted, “What you wanted from me was no better.”

Principal Howard looked at Krissy impassively. “That doesn’t excuse your actions.”

From the distance, the low growl of a bus engine began to sound. Krissy’s eyes darted towards the entrance of the bus platform. Her escape was just minutes away.

Just then, an officer walked into the bus station, likely having heard about a disturbance. Principal Howard, seizing the opportunity, called out to him. “Officer! This young woman stole money from our school. I demand she be arrested!”

The officer looked between the two, clearly weighing the situation. Krissy took a deep breath, “Please, no!.”

The officer’s eyebrows furrowed, “Is this true?”

Principal Howard smiled, “Indeed it is.”

The officer sighed, “I'll need statements from both of you at the station. This is not a matter to be settled at a bus depot.”

Krissy nodded, realizing her chance of escape had been thwarted.

As they both were escorted out of the bus station, Krissy's gaze lingered on the bus she would have boarded.