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Fill in the Blanks

January 26, 2020 4 Comments

Fill in the Blanks
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“Your daughter tells me she came to school this morning without having breakfast.” I sigh. Like I’m not busy enough running this school, now I have to educate the parents of my pupils.

The sound of children’s laughter drifts in through the open window.

“Children can’t learn on empty stomachs, Mr. Jackson. There’s plenty of research to underpin this.”

He stares at me and I look back, properly, and notice his jutting cheekbones, purple-rimmed eyes. My stomach flutters: with shame, ignorance. “But I don’t need to tell you this, do I?”

“No,” he whispers.

“This won’t do. How can I help?”

By Laura Besley

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine says

    January 26, 2020 at 7:38 am

    I like the skilful handling of an important subject, it is an enjoyable and emotional read.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Friedlander says

    January 26, 2020 at 8:30 am

    I love the turnaround in the principal’s mind, the willingness to see things differently.

    Reply
  3. b. says

    January 26, 2020 at 9:02 am

    Well written reminder to help us understand that sometimes we must read between the lines before passing judgement.

    Reply
  4. K8Ghost says

    January 27, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Very sad. Glad the principal opened her eyes.

    Reply

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