Mom closes the apartment door behind us. She sits at the reception desk and moves the mouse. The computer screen comes to life. Her voice comes out in a soft hiss. “How do you explain this, Cade?”

I shake my head as if that’s not me, as if it’s a big mistake. It is a mistake. I was supposed to have time!

LAKE TOWNS JOURNAL

Riviere High School Students Oppose Holocaust Debate Assignment

Posted at 7:45 p.m.

The article fills the screen. There’s the picture of Logan and me at the library, sitting side by side, looking into the camera. The inn’s logo is clearly visible on my shirt.

Mom’s voice is filled with controlled fury. “I got a phone call from Mrs. Stoke. Imagine my surprise when she told me about this article.”

There are already 82 shares and 41 comments!

I can’t breathe.

Through clenched teeth Mom says, “She informed me that Joe and Mary Bartley are her neighbors and best friends and that she won’t do business with someone who is out to destroy a great teacher’s reputation.”

Mom points to one of the last lines in the article.

“Cade and Logan do not want Bartley to lose his job. They believe the teacher and administration should apologize and acknowledge that the assignment was inappropriate and offensive.”

“Mrs. Stoke said you’re the ones who owe Mr. Bartley an apology. She canceled her daughter’s bridal shower and said that the wedding guests will no longer stay at the inn. How could you have done this to us, Cade?” She sets her hand over her heart. Her lips tremble.

“I—”

“How is it that you didn’t tell us about this assignment and your disagreement with Mr. Bartley and Principal McNeil? How is it that you spoke to Humanity for Peace and Justice and a reporter without talking to us first?”

Mom glances at our closed apartment door. “We’re not going to have this discussion here. I don’t want Nana to know about this.” Her anger hits me like a battering ram. The printer spits out the article and the first three pages of comments. Mom shuts down the computer, and I follow her upstairs.

Comments: 41

Retired social studies teacher

I’m shocked that a teacher would give this assignment. These teens are heroes! Thank you for having the courage to speak out against hate.

6 Like Reply

I Salute NZS

There’s a furnace waiting for Cade and Logan. I’ll light it myself!

0 Like Reply

TripleK4Evr

@I Salute NZS

Or we can just sterilize them.

0 Like Reply

Riviere resident

@I Salute NZS @TripleK4Evr

Serious question: What’s happened in your life that you’re filled with so much anger and hate?

14 Like Reply

Bulldog

FIRE the teacher and principal!

3 Like Reply

RHS senior