Chapter 340: Aggrieved

Because Benny was ill, though he felt better after taking his medicine, Roxanne kept him home from school to rest. Archie stayed home to keep him company. Estella, however, was distraught. She hadn't seen the brothers or Roxanne for two days.

Previously, Archie and Benny's presence had encouraged other children to include her in their games. Now, however, they were avoiding her. After school, Estella often slumped over her desk, staring wistfully at Archie and Benny's empty seats.

"What are you doing, Estella?" a boy asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Estella didn't respond, continuing to stare at her desk.

"Come and play with us!" he invited.

From the side, another child called out, "Ignore her, Yoel. Estella won't play with us!"

Yoel hesitated. Before Archie and Benny arrived, he often invited Estella to play. She'd been unresponsive, but she'd sometimes react to him, even writing notes. Lately, however, she ignored him completely. He was worried.

When Yoel reached for her, Estella reacted, frowning and pulling away. Thinking she was playing, Yoel reached for her again. Estella slapped his hand away hard.

The sound attracted other children. Seeing Estella hit Yoel, they scolded her. "Children can't hit people! Estella, apologize to Yoel!"

Estella felt aggrieved. She had already signaled she didn't want to be touched, yet he persisted. She only hit him because she felt uncomfortable.

Yoel's hand was red, and he was stunned. "I just wanted to play with her," he thought. "Why did she hit me?"

"Estella, apologize, or we'll tell the teacher!" another child threatened.

Soon, others joined in.

Estella looked at the angry children, then at Archie and Benny's empty seats, her eyes welling up. If they were here, they would defend me, she thought. Remembering their protection, and Roxanne's distance from her and her father during that time, she feared they might never return. Overwhelmed, Estella burst into tears.

The children, startled by her crying, fell silent. They'd only wanted justice for Yoel, and an apology seemed appropriate. They hadn't expected Estella to react this way. Confused, but seeing her distress, they remained quiet.

The bell rang, and the children returned to their seats, feeling guilty. Estella continued to cry, her sorrow evident. The extraneous promotional text has been removed.