Chapter 97

Kindergarten. Chris had just been let out of class, bouncing out of the school gates with his little backpack, all smiles. Carl had given it to him, saying Beckett picked it himself. Chris really treasured it. He stopped in the pickup area and looked around—no sign of Uncle. Maybe Uncle's working late today? "Hey, little bastard." Luke brushed past Chris deliberately, smacking into him hard. Chris stumbled and fell, scuffing his backpack. Eyes turning red with frustration, Chris glared at Luke and charged at him. He tackled him to the ground, raising his small fists, warning him: "Luke, don't make me hit you." Luke was so freaked out he burst into tears. The teacher rushed over. The moment she saw Terrell on the ground, her first move was to shove Chris away. "What is it with you two fighting again?" Chris's voice trembled. "He pushed me first!" But the teacher was already siding with Terrell. "Chris, you're being totally uncivilized. How can you keep hitting people at school like this