‘Phoebe has just clearly articulated how Matilda’s remark was racist and how it hurt her. She also apologised for hurting Matilda. Now isn’t the time to say that Matilda didn’t mean to hurt Phoebe. Yes, it’s not nice being caught out for your mistakes, and part of learning the real lesson is taking responsibility, all of us being accountable.’

I couldn’t believe how clearly Dad was speaking, given that I could tell he was enraged by the way a vein was pulsing near his temple. He’d need to do hours of yoga with Caitlin to get through this little episode.

The principal and Matilda’s mum calmed down and sat back. And then the principal asked, ‘What would you like to see happen?’

Dad looked at me, giving me the space to respond. I took a breath. ‘I’d like Matilda to accept my apology and to acknowledge that her comments have hurt me. And if she can acknowledge how they’re hurtful, apologise.’

Matilda started crying again as she said, ‘I’m sorry, Phoebe. Now that you’ve said these things I get it, but I didn’t understand when I said what I said. I thought I was just being funny, but it wasn’t funny, and I’m sorry.’

‘I accept your apology,’ I replied. I couldn’t ask for much more than what Matilda had said, and it seemed like there weren’t going to be any more consequences for pulling Matilda’s hair.

Then the principal said, ‘Phoebe, I’m going to speak with my staff to see what we can do to ensure that everyone is educated regarding all students’ safety at the school. And I realise that this morning has been emotional for everyone, so I suggest that you and Matilda take the rest of the day off to get yourselves back together.’

‘That sounds like a good idea,’ Matilda’s dad said.

We all nodded and Matilda’s mum and dad shook Dad’s hand before we all went our own way.

When I jumped in Dad’s car, he said, ‘I’m happy to take the rest of the day off with you or you could come to work with me, if you like? I’m giving a lecture in the afternoon. I think you’d like it.’ He pulled out of the car park.

I sat there, not knowing what I wanted, not knowing how to answer him. And then he put his hand on my arm and said, ‘That was heavy, hey? Are you okay?’

The floodgates opened and I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my face. ‘I only wanted to do my presentation. That’s all I wanted to do.’

‘I’m sure you’ll still be able to do it,’ Dad assured me, and I knew he was right because of what Michael had told me, but I wanted something to go right without interruption for once.