The Karen Incident (Prequel)

The staff room was tense long before Diana entered.

“She’s coming,” someone whispered.

Diana walked in, heels sharp against tile, black blazer fitted perfectly over her blouse, spider earrings swaying. She didn’t look at anyone—she didn’t need to.

The problem was already seated.

Mrs. Harrow.

Loud. Opinionated. Mediocre.

“And here she is,” Harrow said smugly. “The one with the… unconventional lifestyle.”

Diana set her folder down. “Clarify.”

“The age gap. The children. Your… relationship.”

Silence.

Diana opened the folder.

Documents. Records. Complaints. Witness statements.

“All filed,” Diana said calmly. “Your harassment of students. Your bias against introverted learners. Your misuse of authority.”

Harrow faltered.

“You mistake me,” Diana continued, voice colder now. “I don’t engage in office politics. I end them.”

By the end of the meeting, Harrow wasn’t arguing.

She was finished.

Later, Diana pinned two drawings in the staff corner—crude but clever sketches by the twins.

Her children.

Displayed with quiet pride.