What followed was neither instant redemption nor a neat moral victory. In mediation sessions, Jialis alternated between anger and silence. Some days he showed sincere remorse; other days he retreated. The students who had been harmed were protective of their own healing and clear that forgiveness was not owed but could be earned. The adults who facilitated the process pushed for accountability tied to concrete actions: attending empathy-building workshops, repairing damaged property, and participating in group projects that required cooperation with those he'd bullied.