Days turned into a week.
***
My phone rang on a Wednesday afternoon.
I almost didn’t answer. I was too busy with work.
“Hello?”
“Candice? This is Mr. Paulson, vice principal at Kathleen’s school.”
My hand tightened on the phone.
I was working from home to be around for my daughter because school wasn’t in session yet.
I almost didn’t answer.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“I’d like you to come in and speak with me, if you’re able.”
“Did she leave something at camp? I can just…”
“Candice, please come to the school. Alone.”
His voice was calm but serious, as if he were choosing every word.
“I’d like you to come in.”
I sat straight in my chair without meaning to.
Before I could ask why, he quietly added, “Your daughter didn’t tell you everything about camp. And I think you and I should talk before we bring her into the conversation.”
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.
I looked at it, and my hand flew over my mouth!
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