Member-only story
Without Fences
Freedom’s Hidden Cost
Tess knew she’d made a mistake the moment Principal Westfield’s name flashed on her phone. Fourth call this month. She silenced it, watching the screen glow insistently while she finished pouring her third glass of pinot.
“Let me guess,” Drew said from the couch, not looking up from his tablet. “Liam again?”
“When isn’t it?” Tess sighed, finally answering. “Hello?”
“Mrs. Calloway, we need to discuss Liam’s behavior. Again.” Principal Westfield’s voice carried the weary patience of someone who’d had this conversation too many times. “He refused to participate in the group science project, told his teacher Ms. Barnes that ‘forced collaboration violates his autonomy,’ and then walked out of class. He’s currently sitting in my office.”
Tess pressed her fingers against her temple. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to him.”
“Mrs. Calloway, with respect, you’ve been saying that since second grade. He’s in seventh now. We need more than talk.”
Tess felt the familiar tightness in her chest — the one that appeared whenever anyone suggested she wasn’t parenting correctly. “Liam is expressing himself. He’s learning to advocate for his needs.”
The silence on the other end stretched uncomfortably before Principal Westfield spoke…
