An unfavorable ruling

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We are presiding over the case of Baleview College vs Ashley Hoaka. Today's hearing is regarding the application to expel Ms Hoaka. The Applicants will make their statement first."

One of the men on the other side of the room stands up. "Thank you sir. I am Dean Anthony Howel, representing Baleview College. We intend to exercise our right to expel a student who applied to, and was enrolled at our college, under false pretenses. As you can see she is a human pet, a fact that she deliberately hid from our administration during enrollment."

The Dean sits, and the Chairman nods. "We will now hear from the Respondent. Ms Hoaka, your response?"

Ashley stands up and clears her throat. "I realize that my actions are unusual, but I have broken no rules. I didn't apply to Baleview under false pretenses, and I was accepted before I even knew I was a petgirl. I considered withdrawing when I realized, but while I am a pet I am also still a person. All I ask is to be treated like one. What I wear or how I identify should not limit my access to further education."

"She's making a mockery of our institution!" a professor yells out of turn. "What is this supposed to lead to? Does she expect to start a career someday?"

The Chairman bangs his gavel. "It is not your turn to speak, sir. Ms Hoaka, do you have anything to add to your statement?"

"I would like to respond to Professor Eisenwitt's question. Why shouldn't I start a career?" Ashley asks. "I've passed all my exams so far. I am as capable as learning as any other student, and I'm just as capable of working for a living too. I'm not trying to mock anything, nor am I causing a disturbance on campus. My fellow students will attest to that."

A murmur of approval passes through the crowd. The Chairman allows it to continue for several seconds before calling for order. "Very well. We will now take statements supporting and opposing the application, in person or in writing."

Since the professors don't have anyone to speak in their favor they hand over stacks of documents instead, and then drone on about formalities and tradition.

Ashley has some papers to present too, the statements you helped her collect while preparing for this hearing. Once all the documents have been read, the first character witness to actually speak is Ashley's mom. She makes a heartfelt plea, describing how long Ashley had been talking about college and her plans for the future, and how unjust it would be to deny that just because she became a pet. Next are the students in attendance, talking about how well Ashley fits in and how seriously she's taking her classes.

When everything there is to say has been said, the Board calls for a recess while they deliberate the evidence. What follows are probably the tensest minutes of your life, but finally the Chairman makes his announcement.

"The Respondent has presented us with a passionate, and convincing argument to stay her expulsion. However, her argument is based on emotion rather than factual evidence. It is the right of every college to accept or deny students at their own behest. Exceptions to this rule exist for certain cases, but as much as it pains me to say it, Ms Hoaka does not belong to a protected class of citizen. The Baleview College administration's decision to expel Ashley Hoaka will not be overturned. This ruling is final."

The reaction from the crowd is immediate. People stand up, angrily booing and yelling until the Chairman slams his gavel down and demands they leave the room in an orderly manner. Meanwhile, the victorious professors have already stalked out of the room, smugly congratulating each other.

Ashley is the only one who hasn't reacted to the damning announcement. She sits silently and unmovingly, her mother hugging her from the side. It's not until Mrs Hoaka gently pulls her daughter out of her seat and guides her down the aisle that you see the tears streaming down her face. Your heart drops. There are tears in your eyes too and you don't know what to say.

It turns out you don't need to say anything. The crying girl breaks away from her mom and suddenly she's clinging to you, her face buried against your shoulder. A moment later Tibby's arms are wrapped around both of you, then Mrs Hoaka joins in for a group hug.

After the first hug ends, your parents pull you into another. You barely notice them. You just hold onto Ashley until her crying peters out and turns into quiet sobs. At some point she indicates that she's ready to keep walking, so you slowly make your way out of the building.

Not much is said outside. Various people share their condolences, or complain about the Board's bad call, but Ashley doesn't want their pity. She's quickly bundled into the car to get back home.

When your parents try to follow you inside you talk them out of it. The less people Ashley has to be around today the better. You do let her mom in, thinking she should be with her daughter. Seeing them embrace each other on the living room couch, you know that was the right call. But eventually Mrs Hoaka departs too, leaving you and Tibby to sit down with to Ashley.