The school day continued at Lincoln Elementary, but for Rachel Thompson, the world felt as though it had come to a standstill. Her thoughts were consumed by Emily, the little girl with the brave face masking a deeper pain. In her years as a teacher, Rachel had learned to trust her instincts, to listen not just to what her students said, but to what they didn’t say. And Emily had been saying a lot through her silence.
Returning to her classroom, Rachel tried to focus on her other students, masking her anxiety with the usual routine. The children could sense the tension, their eyes wide with curiosity and concern. “What happened to Emily?” one brave soul asked, breaking the thick silence that had settled over the room.
Rachel paused, choosing her words carefully. “Emily isn’t feeling well, and she’s going to get some help,” she said gently. “It’s important we all think good thoughts for her.”
