What, she was expecting me to crumble and tell her I’m failing in all subjects and have no friends?

The mechaneches’s office is discreetly tucked away at the very end of a quiet corridor. I think it’s meant to make it easier for girls to go and confide in a teacher, but it just makes me feel like I’m walking to my doom.

“Ashira,” Mrs. Gerber says, bestowing a wide, warm smile on me as she holds the door open. “Thanks for coming so fast. I wanted to speak to you.”

I follow her into the room. There are two comfortable chairs at right angles. No other furniture, not a desk or table to serve as a barrier between us. I twine my fingers together and keep my expression blank.

“So,” Mrs. Gerber begins, leaning forward. Her light-blue eyes lock with mine. “It’s been a few weeks, and I’m sure it’s a big adjustment for you — new country, new school… you’re living with your grandparents, am I right?”

I nod, expressionless. If this is another how-are-you-managing, we’re-here-for-you conversation, I’m giving myself two minutes, maximum, to get out of here.

“So how is that going?” Mrs. Gerber asks. “Do you feel like you’re getting settled? Keeping up with the material in class? Getting to know other girls…?” She trails off delicately.

I decide to nip this in the bud. “Everything’s great,” I tell her, in my most confident voice. “Schoolwork is fine. I went to school online and it’s no problem for me to keep up in class. I know the girls. It’s all good.”

Her eyebrows creep up toward the side bangs of her sheitel. What, she was expecting me to crumble and tell her I’m failing in all subjects and have no friends?