by KS Henning
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The bell jangled into silence as children, laughing, talking and shouting, rushed out of the classrooms. Principal Adams pressed herself against the wall to avoid being trampled. Many of the students didn't come to her shoulder but en-masse they could carry a person right out the door: A flashflood of youth.
"Bye, Mrs. Adams. Merry Christmas."
"You, too, Elisa. You keep up the good work after vacation and you'll break some school records."
Elisa grinned as she was swept away. After a few minutes and many farewells, she was able to walk through the hall.
Attendance sheets in hand, Principal Adams made her way from classroom to classroom. She rifled through the sheets as she walked, checking on certain students.
Whoomph! Papers scattered as the woman was almost knocked off her feet.
"Oh! Mrs. Adams, I'm so sorry." A blond-headed girl scrambled after the sheets and burst into tears. "I wasn't watching where I was going. I think I'm going to miss my bus."
The girl sat down looking defeated.
"Calm down, Sarah. It's just a few papers. Here. Take your books and go. If you've missed the bus, we'll just call your Mom. I'm sure she'll let me drive you home."
Sarah took her books and, hugging them to her chest, ran for the door still in tears. Principal Adams watched her until she rounded a corner. She picked up the papers and went to the next classroom.
John was sitting, leaning his chin in his hand, elbow on the desk, leafing through a textbook. She walked to the front of his desk.
"One of you students just ran into me. Almost knocked me over. Sarah White. She was more upset than I would expect from her for a simple accident. Is everything all right?"
John looked up startled.
"I'm sorry. I didn't see you come in. What?"
Mrs. Adams repeated the question.
"Sarah's been fine in class. I'm sure it's nothing."
Avoiding her eyes, he stood up.
"I really must be going. I'm meeting someone across town and I'm already late."
He took his coat and backpack and quickly walked out the door.
"John. I need your attendance sheets," she called after him.
He kept walking.
Principal Adams pursed her lips.