Her face burned with humiliation. Every student sat still. No one laughed this time. Even the bullies didn’t expect it to go that far. Miss Reyes I Derek began, but she didn’t say a word. She just walked out of the classroom silent. The principal called her in, but Alina refused to press charges. I don’t want them expelled, she said. softly. I just want them to learn what real strength looks like. No one understood what she meant, but they soon would.

That afternoon, an announcement went out. All seniors were to report to the gym for a special physical education session with a guest instructor. When the students entered, they froze, standing in the center of the gym in full tactical fitness gear, was Miss Reyes, the same teacher they had mocked hours ago. The same woman they thought was weak. The principal introduced her with a proud smile. Students, meet Sergeant Alina Reyes, former Army close combat instructor. She’ll be leading your self-defense module this semester.