Today started out a normal day, well as normal as you can expect things to be a week before graduation! Students bustle about, talking to their friends, trying to get hail Mary's from their teachers. I had already spoken to six students who thought they could get their grade to an "A" by the end of the week, not realizing their grade are pretty much set in stone aside from a few stray assignments and finals.

My classroom remains empty, as I only teach seniors and they were all at graduation rehearsal. In theory I should be down there but I had neglected to finish grading some assignments. I glanced out the window to the quad, just to watch the students practice getting in their lines.

They think that graduating means they're adults, they think they're going to conquer the world. They think a cap, gown, and a piece of paper will get them power, respect, and wealth. They are naive, they know nothing of what the world is really like, what's waiting for them. They are still babies in this world. Their lives are only beginning.

Not a second after returning to the essays in front of me, not a second after being appalled by yet another terrible analysis not backed up by any evidence, I'm stunned back to the world by a terrible screech.

The screams and wails echo across the campus and only grow louder as I all but hurl myself down the stairs. I'm terrified, I'm paralyzed at the sight before me.

Among the crowd of seniors lays the body of one of my students, Viola Jenkins, pale and lifeless.

Teachers are all on the phone, I'm guessing with the police. Students huddle into frightened groups, some crying. The principal, Mr. Davies, tries to calm everyone and keep them away from the body.

I approach my friend and colleague, Marvin Webs, who teaches math, "What happened!?"

"Oh, Alistair!" He looks terrified, his usually neat brown hair is disheveled and his eyes are almost as pale as her body, "The students were in their lines when suddenly Viola just collapsed, no movement, no breathing. The nurse attempted CPR but, she didn't respond. From what I understand she was a perfectly healthy girl, this is so random and tragic."

I'm speechless as I look at the lifeless body. I stare for much too long, as I look up and police have arrived. A crowd has formed as the school is evacuated and students catch sight of Viola. Parents begin to arrive for their children, drawing more attention to the circumstances before us.

They lift her slim, lifeless body onto a stretcher and take her away. Some of her blonde, curly hair shows through the sheet. Such a sweet, pretty girl, reduced to nothing but a piece of meat on a gurney.

Looking around, most of the teachers are speaking with police. I look over to see Marvin watching me with pained eyes. Mr. Davies speaks to another group of officers who then disperse into different classrooms.

An officer now stands before me, "Are you Alistair McDerby?" I nod,"Sir, is it true you had a meeting with the deceased not even an hour before her death?"

I nod,"That's correct, she was one of a few students today who came to me to discuss improving her grade before her graduation this week. I told her it was not possible, she had too many low test scores and too many assignments missing."

"How did she handle that news?"

"She wasn't happy, as most students would probably be upset by that news. She attempted to bribe me, telling me she'd do whatever I wanted if I raised her grade. I turned her away, told her that if she tried that again I would have to take administrative action, which could result in her not graduating at all."

"Witnesses claim they heard arguing between you and the deceased before she came to the rehearsal, what were you arguing about?"

"She didn't like the answer I gave, when bribery didn't work she got angry. She told me I was an awful teacher and her father could have me fired if I didn't raise her grade. I expressly told her I don't respond to bribery, blackmail, or manipulation and demanded she leave. I may have raised my voice a bit."

"Is it true that the deceased left your classroom and went straight to the rehearsal?"

"I believe so, may I ask where this is going?"

"Sir, I'm going to have to request you come with me. Come quietly and we won't make a scene."

I start to laugh and walk away, he calls out to me before telling me to freeze, "What is this?"

"Alistair McDerby, you are under arrest for the murder of Viola Jenkins. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney one will be provided to you by the court. Do you understand these rights as I have read to you?"

I watch a man come down from my classroom with a bottle labeled Scarlet Rat Poison. This can't be happening. It can't, I'm innocent.

"Sir, do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?"

This can't be happening. I'm being framed. I'm innocent! I did not kill Viola Jenkins.

So who did?