provocatively?” she asks. Respond that you didn't know your shirt was “provocative.” Be told that your skirt is even worse. Hear her ask, “Is it finger-tip length?"
Step 8: Like a soldier receiving orders, smack your arms against your sides. Show that the fabric extends several inches beyond your fingers. Stand at attention as the adult scrutinizes you, coming too close, staring more intently at your knees than any adult should ever stare at a child.
Step 9: Be told, “You must have short fingers.”
Step 10: Receive detention. No, not detention. In-school suspension, which is the same designation, but for far worse criminals. Sit in a chair and look at a poster of a cow that tells you to "Mooooove on with your life.”
Step 11: Be visited by a teacher. Be asked what you're doing here. Wonder what she's doing here, and remember that you won a contest. A poetry contest in Spanish. Receive a piece of chocolate and your teacher's congratulations. Think that you aren’t worthy, that she doesn’t think you’re worthy, because winning doesn’t feel like winning. Not here, where accusations are louder than praise. Not now, when the room is cold, and your shawl feels thinnest.
Step 12: Tell your mom what happened. Have her call the school, outraged, until they remove the mark from your record. Listen to her voice echoing through the walls. Feel ashamed that there’s a mark to remove. Feel blessed that she’s on your side.