Freely Given

Karina’s halfway out the door when Mr. Davis calls her back. Tells her she killed it in class today and that staying sharp is how you honor the big guy upstairs. She beams at the praise, tells him she’s grateful he’s always showing her the right path. He glances both ways, then says there’s something they need to talk about and steers her toward another classroom. Karina wonders why they’re using Mrs. Gilberto’s room instead of their usual spot. He says they need privacy for this kind of chat and waves her inside. Door shuts. Lock clicks. He lays it out flat: the school’s kept her safe so far, but once she’s out there she’ll be fair game for the creeps who want to snatch her virginity. As her teacher, he says he has a duty to keep that from happening the ugly way. He wants her to hand it over to him instead—right now—so it stays safe. Karina blinks, hesitates, asks if he’s sure God would be cool with it. He answers with calm authority, and the trust she’s always had in him wins. She nods, promises to keep the whole thing quiet, then adds that if they’re doing it they might as well get started now. Mr. Davis is already planning the steps to seal the deal.