'Defense or not, it was an act of violence,' the headmaster insists, earning a scoff from the woman who had cuffed her son. 'We haven't let other children who hit back off before and we can't change the rules for one child.'

Theta doesn't want to let go. He grips Delta for a long moment before realizing what he's trying to do. Reluctantly, he sits back down in the chair, watches, then hides the broken aid in his pocket so he can sign back.

I DON'T WANT TO COME BACK.