In the book, the author reveals a conversation between the teachers at Andy's school.

During the conversation, the teachers talk about Andy and his troubling behavior. All of them agree that Andy isn't a "bad kid." However, they argue that the accident has negatively impacted his academic performance.

One of the teachers shares that Andy was counseled by a psychologist. However, the psychologist proclaimed that Andy was stable.

Another teacher says that he still feels troubled that he once taught Robbie Washington. In the story, Robbie is the only boy who didn't survive the accident. The teacher questions Andy's ability to bounce back from the traumatic experience of watching Robbie die.

However, another teacher claims that Andy likely wasn't affected much by the accident. He maintains that "black kids are tough," and they often experience things that white kids don't. He gives the example of a student named Gerald Nickelby, whose stepfather beats him. Accordingly, the police arrest Gerald's father once every few months.

Even though Gerald's stepfather has to go to court, he inevitably regains custody of Gerald. The teacher thinks that Black students are more resilient since Gerald seems "ok" with the status quo of having an abusive father.

The teacher's comment shows a lack of self-awareness, compassion, and sensitivity. He fails to see that Andy's wisecracking ways and foolhardy behavior mask great emotional suffering and pain. Because of this misguided interpretation of Andy's behavior, the teachers are blindsided when Andy later commits suicide.