"Defiance is the final defence; a stubborn resistance to be beaten down in the face of injustice or judgement."

Gilbert had laid awake most of the night, his thoughts keeping sleep at bay.

He couldn't shake the paranoia that somebody was out there and he wished he could have stayed with Anne, to keep her safe. But he knew he couldn't be there by her side always, besides Scarlett was locked away. Anne was safe, no matter how dark his nightmares got, or what his thoughts tormented him with.

Anne wasn't his only concern, he was worried about James too, who he hadn't seen since the incident in the woods. James was meant to be staying in Gilbert's house, so where had he been staying? There was no way to tell, no contact and no-one to ask. Gilbert knew his friend had been going through a dark time and had a lot on his mind so he pondered that perhaps James merely needed alone time. The traumatic events had surely triggered James as they had Gilbert.

Wherever James was, Gilbert just hoped he was safe.

Another thing on Gil's mind was the rumours that had spread through the town tarnishing is own and Anne's reputation and it was affecting her worse than she admitted. Anne wouldn't show it but people's opinions of her mattered, which was likely a result of her neglectful childhood. Gilbert had heard that Diana wasn't allowed to see Anne any longer which was completely unfair, on top of that Anne would face harsh judgement and even bullying upon returning to school when her leg was healed in a few weeks.

Gilbert made up his mind to get to the bottom of it all and find out who'd started it.

Gilbert dosed restlessly in and out of sleep for a few hours before sunrise and woke as the birds sung outside his window for the first light of day. Yawning, he rolled out of bed and got dressed. Bash was in the kitchen already, making breakfast. When Gilbert entered the room Bash gave him a look that said -- 'we need to talk.'

"Morning." Gilbert said innocently, as though he hadn't stayed out for days without any explanation as to where he'd been.

"Well there he is! The lost boy. Morning to you too -- If that really is you. It's hard to believe, let me tell you. Where in God's name were you?" Bash accosted him.

"I... it's a long story, Bash." Gilbert sighed, putting some bread on the toasting rack. He yawned again, rubbing his tired eyes.

"So we don't talk now? Is that it? What's going on with you, Blythe?" Bash was annoyed, in that concerned paternal way that made Gilbert feel bad. "Look, I don't care where you been, I need to know you're alright. Let me know next time you're gonna be gone for days and I won't worry."

"I'm fine." Gilbert said irritably.

Something about Bash treating him like a child reminded Gilbert of his own Father and having to take care of him despite being still just a child himself and it brought back a lot of feelings. Regret, pain and unprocessed grief... Gilbert missed him every time he thought about him and harboured subconscious longing for that paternal figure and the guidance and support that came with it although he never knew what that even entailed as he never knew his Mother and his Father was ill for a long time. Being a carer was complicated and hard.

"You don't seem fine. I know something happened with your girl, I just hope you got it fixed is all." Bash held up his hands in surrender. "Don't think I'm hounding after you. I care about you both."

"Anne's fine. I'm fine. Everything is alright, Bash." Gilbert sighed and took his toast to the table. He didn't feel like going into it all, he was too tired. "We went through some things and it was... hard. But it's all over now and she's fine."

"Then why you in a temper?" Bash asked as he ate is breakfast. "You ain't happy, I can tell."

Gilbert pushed his long hair out of his eyes and exhaled to calm himself down. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to snap -- I just didn't sleep well. I don't wanna talk about it all right now... I have a lot in my mind."

"Alright, no Anne talk then if it's getting you silly." Bash levelled Gilbert with a critical stare. "So, at least tell me then... where is that James lad? He's meant to be staying here with us and I ain't seen head nor tail of him for days, just like you."

Gilbert's eyes flickered with concern. "Neither have I." He admitted, thinking of the clearing and the blur of events.

"That why you're up in your head with a face of thunder?"

"Among other things." Gilbert nodded. "I have some things to sort out... Yet I'm not certain how to."

"Can I help?" Bash asked.

Gilbert relented, and decided to share what was on his mind. "I'm not sure. People have been saying things about me and Anne that are upsetting her. The problem is, I don't know who is saying the things."

Bash considered this for a moment. "I've dealt with my fair share of judgement in my time. I can tell you all you can do is confront them and show them the truth and hope it changes their mind and opens their heart. Now I can't help you with who but I reckon you could make a good guess." Bash paused and shrugged. "You're a good judge of character... Trust your instincts."

"You're right, I have a good idea of who it would be." Gilbert did indeed have a suspect already and the thought of confronting them was increasingly appealing to the touchy, sleep-deprived young man.

"Hey, you mean trouble, I know that look." Bash said, pointing an accusatory finger. "Don't do anything stupid, Blythe."

Don't do anything stupid. Gilbert smirked slightly. "I make no promises."

...

"Have you heard about what happened in the woods?" Ruby asked the other girls.

It was still early, they'd arrived to school as the sky turned periwinkle-blue and the night's clouds blew away, making way for mild-weather. The sun outside was just waking up and streamed through the dew-glistening windows. The morning was bright as a button and the students were glad to be in school unlike the many families still suffering from the fever. The girls were setting up their desks and Miss Stacey had not yet exited her office so the time for gossip for then. Josie, Tilly and Jane leant in eagerly, knowing exciting news was about to be shared. The Gillis family were always troves of gossip and local knowledge.

"My Father was talking to Mr Barry yesterday and he found out that there was another police incident in the woods. Apparently there was an arrest involving a whole gang of criminals!" Ruby shrilled.

"A gang? Oh how positively thrilling." Tilly gasped, eyes shining.

"It's not thrilling," Jane dismissed, shaking her head. "It's concerning."

"It's no concern any longer, Jane, they're all locked up." Tilly shrugged.

"Good riddance. All criminals deserve to rot in prison, as far as I'm concerned." Josie said, turning up her nose.

"I for one feel safer knowing they're behind bars. As romantic as it would be to be held captive and rescued like in a story, I'm sure the reality of it would be quite terrifying." Ruby shuddered.

"Well, who were they? What were they doing here in Avonlea of all places?" Asked Jane, her eyes wide.

"My Father's not certain of the details but Mr Barry said some of his men went to assist rounding them up... Father also told Mother that Diana must be in trouble with her parents as she was confined to her room, which is highly unusual." Ruby explained knowingly.

"Diana, in trouble?! I wonder why?" Jane exclaimed with concern. "I hope she's alright."

"It must be something serious, as she is never in trouble. She's too much of a goody two-shoes." Josie giggled.

"Well we'd better ask her all about it when she arrives." Ruby suggested.

"Where is Anne this morning?" Tilly asked, looking around the noisy classroom. "She's not been in for days."

"I'm not surprised," Josie smirked. "She's humiliated. My Mother says a sinner stays in public shame for years and takes their guilt to the grave."

"Goodness... Do you all believe the rumours?" Ruby asked quietly, her cheeks turning pink.

Jane and Tilly exchanged embarrassed looks. They weren't sure what to believe.

"Anne did seem to know a lot about... about--" Tilly hesitated. "It when she started. Remember?"

"Anne and Gilbert have been getting close," Jane reminded them. "After all, Anne and Gilbert held hands to school that day remember? And Josie said they even kissed in the yard."

"Kissed? Goodness." Tilly giggled.

"That's just courting, that doesn't mean they..." Ruby blushed. "You know..."

"You're clearly not observant, Ruby dear," Josie sniggered. "The two are entirely infatuated."

Ruby had said nothing, merely looked thoughtful. It didn't seem right. Anne was smart, and she wouldn't do something like that knowing the risk of their reputations apart from anything else... it truly was social ruin. All of their parents had forbade them from fraternising with Anne. Even not counting for Anne's intelligence, Gilbert was a true gentleman. This Ruby was certain of. She was sure he wouldn't do this, it seemed completely out of the question. She wanted to make everyone else understand that it just couldn't be true but she didn't know how...

"Do you think Diana knows the truth?" Tilly asked. "Her and Anne are best-friends. If she'd tell anyone, it would be Diana, surely?"

"She's here -- let's ask her." Jane pointed, looking over their shoulders.

The girls turned to see Diana enter the school hall, windswept and pale-faced. She smiled when she saw them but she didn't seem her usual cheery self. Lack of sleep was evident in dark shadows beneath her eyes, which were tinged with a darkness of pain or sadness. If you knew her well, you could have noticed it instantly. Diana hung her shawl and sun-hat up before joining the girls by the benches.

"Good morning." She said brightly.

Ever brash, Jane descended. "Do you think the rumours are true about Anne and Gilbert?"

Diana's face fell. "Of course not! It's all lies and you should know that. Girls, I'm disappointed you'd believe it for even a moment."

"I didn't!" Ruby squeaked, blushing.

"Nonsense, Ruby. It is true, Diana." Josie blustered. "There's proof you know -- there's letters!"

"Anne and Gilbert don't write each other letters anymore." Diana scoffed. "They see each other at school, why would they need to write? He's not an ocean away any longer."

"Well that was more like updates on the gold, wasn't it... This was a secret correspondence," Tilly interjected. "It's different."

"It was a sinful correspondence, more like." Josie exclaimed in disdain.

Diana threw her a withering look. "Think of them what you will, Josie. But they're not liars and they said they didn't do it." Diana unpacked her things and sat down.

"Well, why isn't she in school then? She's clearly ashamed." Josie said smugly, thinking she'd proved her point then.

"Anne had an accident," Diana said. "She broke her leg."

"Poor Anne!" Ruby shrieked. "How did it happen?"

"She uh..." Diana hesitated, not wanting to reveal the truth. Anne got a hard time as it was, without being known as the target of yet another criminal.

Josie narrowed her eyes. "Well?"

"She was walking a ridgepole on a dare." Diana said quickly. "She's taking her lessons at home for the next few weeks."

"I don't believe anyone could walk a ridgepole." Josie sniffed in a self-important fashion.

"Will she be better in time for the Midsummer Ball?" Ruby asked earnestly. "You know Anne does terribly love balls and dresses and such... It would be a crying shame for her to miss it."

"Everything is a crying shame for you, Ruby." Jane pointed out. "You cry at everything."

"What ball? I've not heard of this ball?" Diana frowned, looking up.

"Miss Stacy announced it yesterday, it's a leavers party... It's to celebrate our time at Avonlea and to wish us good luck at college." Tilly explained.

"We've got to practice the dances and everything!" Ruby said with a dreamy expression.

"We've all got to have a partner to dance with, so the boys have been behaving very strangely." Jane rolled her eyes, glancing over at them.

Diana looked over. They weren't their usual rowdy self, contrary they were all sitting or standing and speaking calmly, some of them reading books. They were behaving rather mature, even Jane's brother Billy. Every few minutes one of the boys would glance over, as though to see if their improved behaviour had been noted by the aloof girls.

"They want to ask us to be their dance partner but they're afraid." Josie smirked.

"I can't believe you didn't know... Your parents must know about it," Jane remarked to Diana, switching the topic back. "Miss Stacey planned it with the board of directors, your Father knows all the directors well."

"Oh yes, he's always well-informed." Diana said venomously. "Except in the subjects that matter."

"Diana!" Tilly giggled. She loved a drama.

"Why are you so vexxed with your Father?" Jane asked.

"It's a long story." Diana sighed angrily, frustration still present in her heart at the reminder of her parent's close-minded outlook on all things including higher education and helping rescue friends from criminals in the middle of the night...

"Perhaps you weren't told about the ball because you were in trouble?" Josie pryed. "Are you even allowed to attend?"

"I'm sure I am." Diana said defensively.

"You aren't going to Queens Academy, though?" Ruby frowned.

"I'm still a school Leaver," Diana said. She felt thoroughly disgruntled so she changed the course of conversation. "I hope Anne is better in time, she'd love to go."

"What about Gilbert? Will they go together?" Ruby asked.

"I suppose so, seeing as they are getting along so well." Diana said, smiling in amusement. That was putting it lightly...

"They're a good match," Tilly nodded. "They're both so smart."

Josie looked between them, seeming concerned. "But they can't go together! After what they did. I'm surprised they're even allowed in school."

Diana sighed, about to answer when the door opened and Gilbert walked in. He took off his hat and jacket, his dark eyes sweeping through the school hall and catching on Josie's guilty expression. His gaze hovered over her, almost thoughtfully. Josie wondered if he'd heard their conversation. He seemed to steel himself, his face free from any expression.

Diana smiled at him. She was glad of some company that was less judgemental and easily influenced by hurtful gossip.

Ms Stacy opened her office door which silenced the class and everyone sat down.

Josie glanced over her shoulder at Gilbert who was sat at the back. She was unsettled to find his eyes fixed on her. Why was he staring at her and watching her every move? Josie turned back to the front and tried her best to ignore him but the paranoia had set in.

Did he know?

"Good morning class. I know you are all very excited about the upcoming Midsummer Ball, and preparations are beginning next week including some dance lessons to educate you in the traditional and popular dances practiced in Canada. In the meantime we will continue our study of English Literature and focus on a personal favourite of mine, Jane Eyre. After our study we will venture outside for a walk in the forest, to create a portfolio of creatures and plants native to Prince Edward Island environment. It seems our focus this term will be on culture and tradition. Besides, it'll be nice to get out and get fresh air, especially with all the illness going around."

Gilbert thought glumly how much Anne would have loved today's lesson. On her absence he intended to figure out who had forged the incriminating notes... He had a theory of who it could be already, which was only cemented by the blonde suspect's guilty and paranoid expression.

...

The school party made their way out of the field, through the gate and down into the woods.

They all had their pens and paper ready, their eyes on the lookout for any interesting plants. Miss Stacey had a reference book for information and was up ahead of the group talking happily about the ground level growth of mosses and flowers. There weren't many students, which was down to the fever that still worked it's way through town. Thankfully there were no deaths yet but it was badly affecting many families and it was only time... Gilbert tried not to feel bad about being at school when he could be helping with the relief work. He remembered James encouraging him to pursue his medical career and study. Where was he?

Gilbert brought up the back of the group, watching Josie Pye up ahead analytically. The more he thought about it the more likely it seemed it was her who'd created the rumours... Josie had never liked Anne, she'd even gone out of her way to upset her at every opportunity. After what he'd overheard her say this morning, Josie seemed very urgent to ensure everyone believed the rumours and judged them both accordingly.

It didn't take long for Josie to start up again.

They were making their way past the river, a small bridge arching over the glittering water that streamed over shining rocks and wild banks. The trees were lush, the grasses overgrown and strewn with flowers and brambles, the water flickering with fish. The rush of the water was usually so calming but it reminded Gilbert of being dragged beneath the surface and towards the black rocks in the woods. That dreadful fear and pain crept up in his veins, shrouding all memories of that night.

"Gilbert?" Charlie Sloane said, touching Gilbert's shoulder.

Flinching back to reality, Gilbert brushed away his dark thoughts. Looking up, he saw the group had passed along the path and were standing on the other side of the river, save a few of the girls who stood on the bridge leaning over and admiring the view. Josie was holding court with some boys by the side of the stream, teasing the end of a golden ringlet with her fingers. The boys were no friends of Gilbert, he recognised them from that day of the recitations when they'd followed Anne into the woods and insulted her. Liam and Harrison.

Of course Josie was talking to them.

"Are you alright?" Charlie asked.

"I will be." Gilbert said lightly, a determined expression forming on his face.

Charlie followed Gilbert's gaze and glanced to Josie with a curious expression. Gilbert moved closer to the group to hear what they were saying. Josie nodding now, listening to Liam.

"I swear, she said she was going to curse me."

Harrison nodded, leaning in. "She's a freak."

"I don't think it's right, her coming. She shouldn't be allowed." Liam said indignantly.

"Well, I said it myself this morning." Josie said smugly, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "We should appeal to the minister. A dance is a communal event and a shameless sinner should not be allowed to tarnish a public celebration."

Gilbert bristled. They were talking about Anne. After everything she'd been through, after the trauma and abuse... here they were stamping her name in the dirt like she was anything less than a good, kind, wonderful human with a heart of gold. She didn't deserve this and still they wouldn't let her catch a break. Every opportunity, they leapt upon.

He was sick of it.

"I agree. No whores allowed." Liam said.

That was it. Gilbert snapped.

Harrison nodded. "Blythe too, the pair can fester in their sin together for all I care."

"And why do you care exactly? Why is it any of your business what either of us do?" Gilbert raised his voice, striding over to them. Heart thumping, anger flashing in his eyes.

Harrison looked up and tensed, as Gilbert approached. "I don't want you to tarnish our town with your filth--"

"In case you hadn't noticed, this town isn't as innocent as you think. It's riddled with criminals and even the regular folk are judgemental and full of unresolved resentment and insecurities. You're no different. You're no better than us." Gilbert clenched his jaw and squared up to Harrison.

"We're better than Anne. She's a dirty little--"

Harrison didn't get to finish his sentence because Gilbert punched him so hard that he lost his balance and fell backwards into the stream. He tumbled into the water with an enormous splash. Josie screamed dramatically and stumbled back. Liam turned to hit Gilbert but Gilbert easily caught his fist in his own and swung his fist into the boy's jaw. He fell to the floor and Gilbert gripped Liam's shirt.

"You ever say a word against Anne again and it'll be the last thing you do say." Gilbert said darkly.

"We're only saying the truth!" Josie shrilled, stepping forward.

Gilbert looked at her, barely believing her persistence and determination to cause misery despite everything. She'd picked the wrong time to test his temper. He'd had enough.

"Here's the only truth you should care about, Josie--" Gilbert snapped. "You're a horrible person."

Gilbert pushed Josie hard and she followed Harrison into the stream, shrieking and splashing a wave of water that rose over the bank up to Gilbert's shoes.

Liam scrambled away, hands held up in defeat. "I won't s-say anything." He stammered. "I'll leave Anne alone."

"Yeah, you better."

Liam ran away up the path, leaving everyone staring after him. Gilbert looked down at Josie and Harrison. Satisfaction blinded Gilbert to the consequences of what he'd done. Charlie looked at him incredulously, not knowing how to react.

"I can't believe you just did that!" He said, fighting off a laugh.

"I can't believe I didn't do it sooner." Gilbert smirked.

The other students were yelling, pointing and some of them were laughing. Josie and Harrison were splashing around in the stream, spluttering and crying out in disgust. The water wasn't deep, only up to their waists but they made such a fuss that Miss Stacey noticed and came over to see what was happening. That was how Gilbert ended up in her office for the rest of the afternoon with Josie and Harrison glaring at him from the other side of the room.

...

"Tell me what happened, from the start. Then Josie can say her piece, then Harrison." Miss Stacey said calmly.

The four of them were sat in a circle, Josie and Harrison wearing some dry spare clothes that they'd found in the supply room. Josie was red-faced and fuming, Gilbert suspected it had more to do with the style of the dress being outdated rather than the fact she'd had to sit out in the office while Miss Stacey finished the afternoon's lesson. Harrison was silent, his face showing humiliation and frustration.

Gilbert had found it quite satisfying to see them both so disrupted after what they'd said. He didn't mind time out in the office, he'd got plenty of studying done and ignored the pair of them. The only regret he felt was disappointing Miss Stacey, as he believed she was a kind-hearted person who wanted the best for him.

Gathering himself, Gilbert spoke.

"They were talking about -- about Anne. They were saying horrible things. I lost my temper, I'm sorry Miss."

Miss Stacey watched him, a flicker of understanding entering her eyes at his words. It made sense now. Gilbert was mature, smart, composed in school. Anne was the only one who unravelled him, made him wild and instinctive. She'd seen it from both of them, the pining, the longing gazes, the breathlessness and emotions running unchecked.

"Thank you for apologising, Gilbert. And for your honesty." Miss Stacey said, turning to the others. "You know my policy on gossip and bullying. I'm disappointed to hear you've both dabbled yet again. What exactly were you saying?"

Josie flushed even darker red. "I shouldn't have to defend myself. Gilbert should be the one judged and punished, not me. He's out of control. I did nothing!"

"Why are you lying?" Gilbert rolled his eyes scornfully. "Charlie heard you. He can testify if you really insist on your innocence."

"That's enough. Nobody will testify," Miss Stacey inhaled slowly, thinking. "I can believe that Josie said those things as unfortunately it's not the first time I've heard them."

Josie blushed deep red and lifted her chin up in stubbornness.

"I've had words with you before about gossiping. I do not tolerate gossip in my classroom." Miss Stacey spoke firmly. "Not only is it extremely hurtful and damaging to people's reputations and happiness, it is a fruitless distraction from your education. It provides no gain, only succeeds in ridding you of the respect and affection of your peers."

Josie looked as though she wanted to shrivel up and disappear. "It's not gossip if it's true." She squeaked out.

"True?" Miss Stacey raised her eyebrows doubtfully. "Truth is proved with evidence, witnesses, facts... where is your proof?"

"The-- the notes. The letters. Everyone saw them." Josie stammered.

"I'll bet you made sure of that." Gilbert sniped, his dark eyes flashing.

Harrison threw him a dirty look. He'd said nothing the whole time, sitting there stoically with his arms crossed.

"Well I didn't read them. Perhaps I'm the only one who hasn't." Miss Stacey glanced at Gilbert too. "There is a simple way of proving this evidence as true or fake. We can compare the handwriting to an essay of Gilbert's."

"W-what?" Josie faltered, scrabbling for ideas. "No, we don't need to do that. It's real. Why else would Anne be too embarrassed to come to school?"

"She had an accident. She's too injured to come." Gilbert interjected defensively.

"Well, I don't know about you, Gilbert, but I for one believe in 'innocent until proven guilty."" Miss Stacey had a twinkle in her eye.

...

"If you don't want me to read them I understand," Miss Stacey said quietly to Gilbert.

They'd gotten the letters from Miss Stacey's confiscation cupboard in the stock room. After they'd been found on Anne and Gilbert's desks and been passed around Miss Stacey discovered the students huddled around and took the letters away to diffuse the disruption. They'd stayed locked away ever since and she'd not looked at them, wanting to respect Gilbert and Anne's privacy if they were indeed genuine.

"Here is your latest essay to compare it to." She handed Gilbert the parchment printed with a large "A*" along with the letters.

Gilbert took them, and noticed his hands were white. He felt nervous to look at them. There was no doubt in his mind then that Josie had written them. Not after her reaction to them being defrauded. She watched him then, her big eyes wide and guilty.

One of the letters had a scribbled name on the back - Anne. Gilbert felt sick thinking of Josie writing these with the intention of hurting them both, damaging people's opinions of them and even their future. The anger or hatred she'd have had to harbour for them both to channel into these letters made him both dislike her even more and at the same time pity her a great deal.

Gilbert prised the envelope open and unfolded the paper. His eyes scanned the looping words, a flush rising to his cheeks. He was shocked at them, it was nothing like he'd read before. Feeling uncomfortable he turned his attention away and held up the essay, comparing them. It was laughable. His writing was sprawling and messy, whereas whoever had written the letters had perfectly joined handwriting with neat paragraphs.

"You have to see, so you know." Gilbert said quietly, swallowing hard. "Nobody will believe us otherwise. It has to come from an adult."

Miss Stacey looked at Gilbert in surprise and sympathy. "Are you sure?"

Gil nodded. "They won't believe us, they'll keep judging us. Anne doesn't deserve it. It's gone on for too long. They're not my words besides."

Miss Stacey took the papers and glanced at the letter, before reading a section of the essay again.

"It's clearly not the same, anyone could see it." Miss Stacey scoffed. "Not that anyone else will see it. I will burn them and that will be the end of it. Gilbert if anyone continues to judge you or Anne on this matter, kindly send them in my direction and I'll put them to rights."

"But--" Josie exclaimed.

"That's the end of it, Josie. I'm having a meeting with your Mother and you will stay behind tonight. I need to have private words with you." Miss Stacey said firmly. "And as for you, Harrison. I'm enormously disappointed that you've descended to the same immature habits and bullying. You would be better off cultivating your creativity in your spare time than bullying your fellow students. Your Father told me about the bird box you built for your sister. That is the kind of exhibitions I'd like to see, not harassment."

Harrison looked deeply embarrassed. "Well I didn't think it was right what they did," His voice was very quiet but he was still putting on a brave face. "What we believed they'd done, anyway."

"Well perhaps this could serve as a reminder not to believe everything you're told." Miss Stacey stood up and it was clear that was the last of the matter. "Anymore word of this matter or bullying of any kind in my schoolroom and the speaker will face three weeks of detention. I will not tolerate this."

Josie stayed in her seat, thoroughly disgruntled. Gilbert rose to his feet, relieved it was over.

"So there will be no punishment for Gilbert? For pushing us both?" Harrison asked indignantly.

"If you don't want to get pushed into a stream, don't insult my friends." Gilbert said.

"That's enough, Gilbert." Miss Stacey said curtly. "You shouldn't have resorted to violence. You'll write me a thousand word paper explaining to me the benefits of vocalising your feelings and thoughts to resolve conflict in exchange of violent means."

Groaning, Gilbert gathered his last scrap of patience. He nodded and left the room. As he passed Miss Stacey's desk he saw a pile of essays and on the top was Josie's. Glancing down at it he stopped in his tracks. The writing... looping, neat, evenly joined. It was the same as the letters. This was proof of his theory. It was true, Josie had done this.

Gilbert picked up Josie's essay and left the school hall.