I don't remember saying goodbye or standing up.
I don't remember saying goodbye.
I looked toward the hallway.
Kathleen's door was closed. It had been closed for eight straight days.
"Sweetheart, I need to go out for a few minutes! I'll alert Mandy, and she'll come over and watch you," I called out.
"Okay, Mom!"
I grabbed my purse and headed for the neighbor's house.
Kathleen's door was closed.
Mandy worked from home full-time and didn't mind watching Kathleen.
By the time I walked to my car, Mandy was already standing on my front porch, holding her laptop.
***
The school building felt too quiet when I pulled into the parking lot. My sandals slapped against the tile as I hurried down the empty hallway.
The school building felt too quiet.
Mr. Paulson met me at his office door with a soft nod.
He gestured to the chair across from his desk and slid a printed page toward me before I even sat down.
