We Need to Talk About Grades

My mom calls my name and says the five most terrifying words in the English language.

We need to talk about your grades. Instantly, my heart drops to my stomach.

My brain starts generating excuses at lightning speed. She opens the grade portal like it’s

a crime documentary. One by one. Slow. Painful. Every red number

hits harder than the last. No reaction. No blinking. Just silence.

I start explaining things nobody asked about. The teacher is unfair. The test was weird.

The system is broken. She doesn’t respond. That’s how I know it’s over. Then she says it.

You’re grounded. Phone? Gone. Laptop? Restricted.