The next morning, she put it on, waved at me, and walked out the door. I stood in the kitchen holding my coffee, hoping the world would just leave her alone for one day.
I got to work at eight and was halfway through inventory when my phone buzzed. It was Robin’s school. My heart started racing before I even answered.
“Hello..?”
“Edward, this is Principal Dawson. I’m calling about Robin.”
“What happened, Sir? Is… is everything alright?”
“I need you to come in.” A pause. “I’d rather not explain over the phone, Edward. You need to see this yourself.”
I was already grabbing my jacket. “I’m on my way, Sir.”
I don’t remember the drive. Just pulling into the school parking lot.
The front office staff saw me and immediately stood. They’d been expecting me. I followed one of them down the hallway. She walked quickly, slightly ahead, avoiding eye contact.
The corridor had that heavy stillness schools get when something has happened and everyone knows it but no one is saying it yet.
She slowed near a recessed corner and glanced toward the wall.
There was a trash can.
