After class, Addie stays behind in Mr. Bennett's room and immediately fears she is in trouble. The phrase "see me after class" reminds Addie of how school officials pulled her out of biology during the earlier scandal involving Mr. Tuttle, so she braces for another humiliating confrontation.

When Mr. Bennett finally speaks to her, Addie learns the opposite is true: he admired her poem. He specifically praises its imagery and tells Addie he found it deeply moving. His approval gives Addie a rare moment of happiness, even though the poem's violent images come from painful memories of her drunken, abusive father.

Mr. Bennett then raises the stakes by urging Addie to publish the poem. He explains that he supervises the school's poetry magazine, Reflections, and suggests she contribute and join the group. For Addie, who has only ever written privately in a notebook, this is the first serious encouragement she has received from someone she sees as knowledgeable and kind.

Addie is tempted, but her insecurity quickly resurfaces. Because she is isolated after the scandal with Mr. Tuttle, she assumes Mr. Bennett may be praising her only out of pity, and she worries other students will mock her work. When Mr. Bennett adds that the magazine could help her meet students with similar interests, Addie becomes embarrassed that he may know how friendless she has become.

Seeing her hesitation, Mr. Bennett softens the pressure and asks only that she attend one meeting with no obligation to return. His steady encouragement persuades Addie, and she agrees, although she still feels an uneasy sense that accepting may be a mistake.