Her teacher was waiting.
“So.”
Ms. Patel smiled gently.
“How many lunches have you forgotten this month?”
Nora looked down.
“Three.”
Ms. Patel opened a drawer.
Inside were seven small paper slips.
“Seven.”
Nora’s face grew hot.
The cafeteria recorded emergency meals.
She hadn’t known.
“Are things okay at home?”
“Yes.”
The answer came too quickly.
Ms. Patel noticed.
Before she could ask more, Mark appeared in the doorway.
“There you are.”
Nora stiffened.
Ms. Patel stood.
“Mr. Hayes.”
Mark smiled.
“Problem?”
“Just checking in about lunches.”
His smile stayed in place.
“Nora is careless.”
Nora stared at the floor.
“She forgets things.”
Ms. Patel glanced at her.
“She told me she prepares her own lunches.”
