Chapter 1

Amy

Keys. Checked

Wallet. Checked.

Id card. Checked.

Finally, the checklist is done. I walked out of my apartment and towards my car. Just as I was about to close the car door, I remembered something. Shit! I forgot about the assignments. I rushed back to my room, grabbed them, and then hurried back to my car. I took a careful seat to preserve the formal dress I was wearing today. Usually, I opt for semi-formal clothing, but today was an exception. I needed to look sharp.

I arrived at my school room early. Organizing my classroom and making preparations for my students are some of my favorite tasks. I always ensured that my students received my best efforts. As I worked, I couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how happy my fourth-graders would be when they saw the upcoming project.

When the bell rang, I was just about to finish organizing the papers when I stepped outside the classroom to let my students in. Some of them squealed and yelled, ‘Good morning, miss!’ It was adorable!

The class started soon after. “So, my dear kids, do you know what we’re doing today?” I asked, wiggling my brow.

They were all bewildered. I chuckled and replied, “Come now. Make a guess!”

“Miss, are we about to make lemon volcanoes again? That was fun!” Jason, a cute blonde child, raised his hand and asked. The class let out a unified whine, and I laughed.

“No Jason. No lemon volcano. We’ve already done that, and before you ask, no, we’re not repeating the activity!” I said.

“So what are we doing, Miss?” Sara questioned.

“Do you remember we studied crystals yesterday?” I asked. “We are making crystal names for all of you,” I continued.

They all exclaimed, “Yay!”

“Now, settle down. We’ll make crystal names with the first letter of our names and present them to one another. Okay?” My entire class of 15 students were fidgeting in their seats with eagerness.

All of them nod as I continue, “I’ll start by showing you by using my name. So huddle up close to my desk.”

Occasionally, during the project, they all broke out in laughter and shouting. The gasps they made as they noticed crystals developing around the yarn they had dipped in the liquid were so adorable. All of my efforts and hours of labor were justified when I saw the wonder in the children’s eyes—the day ended with laughter since we were all having so much fun.

“Did you enjoy the project?” I asked.

They all squeal, “Yes Miss,” while displaying their names in crystal form. “Okay. While leaving, gather your assignments. Well done, everyone. See you tomorrow.”

I sighed as all the kids left. I hurried to the staff area and grabbed a sizable cup of black coffee. I feel energized as the coffee passes down my throat. I gulped down my coffee as I sat in my chair and looked through my tasks.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Mara’s voice filled my ears. She was a fellow teacher and my best friend.

I replied with a smile, “Nothing. I’m just getting ready for the class tomorrow. I can’t wait for them to try the litmus paper test.”

“Hm... You are overly giddy about that. Where do you get these side projects from?” she asked.

“Some of them from my childhood and some from the mighty internet,” I retorted with a smile.

She chuckled. “Anyway, were you called in? I am confident they will give you an extension. You are the most sort out teacher for the last two years.”

“Not yet. I’m hoping for contract renewal. I feel so anxious,” I retorted, rubbing my sweating palms on my skirt.

Mara opened her mouth, but the staff room speaker blared and Secretary Milley’s voice came through before she could finish. “Please report to the principal’s office, Miss Amy.”

I got up and gathered my files. As I hurried out of the staff room, Mara yelled good luck. I had to wait to be called to the principal’s lobby. I feel like a student about to receive a one-to-one with the principal.

Secretary Milley gave me a gentle smile while I was waiting. She reminds me so much of my mother. Similar delicate features and a soft smile. I miss her so much. After this, I’m heading to see my mom. Hopefully, she is doing better this time. Yesterday was not a great day for her.

Milley’s voice interrupted my train of thought, “Miss Amy, Principal Shaw will see you now.” I thanked her and straightened my skirt to calm myself down. I entered after knocking on the mahogany door.

“Hello, Amy. How are you doing today?” Principal Shaw asked. Her bronze face bore an expression of impassivity. She looks like a typical television principal. Big glasses, a checkered dress, and a high bun. Her poker face isn’t making me feel any better.

“I’m doing well, Principal Shaw. How about you?” I asked. I want everything to work well in this meeting. I beg God to let me spend another day with my kids.

“I’m doing well, too. Thanks,” she answered. She cleared her throat and said, “Amy, Let’s get to the point. Your contract expires this week, as we both know.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I said with a smile. I gave her my letter requesting a contract renewal along with other papers. “Here are my papers.”

“Amy,” she sighed, not looking into my eyes, “you have been a very welcome addition to the team, and the children adore you. I have been impressed with your demeanor, disposition, subject understanding, and pedagogical content knowledge,” she said. Dread gnawed at my gut despite her encouraging words. She never complimented teachers.

“Hmm.” I said, “Thank you, Ma’am.”

She said with her lips pursed, “Miss Amy, you already know how badly the budget cuts have affected us this year. So please accept my apologies for having to let you go.” I could see genuine regret on her face.

My heart sank. No, no. How is this even possible? I had to go with my students. The words got caught in my throat and my mouth felt dry. She paused for a moment before saying, “I’m sorry. I tried to adjust things, but this year we experienced the biggest cuts. But… hmm... I can give you a recommendation.”

My eyes started to tear up, and I could feel it. So this week will be my last week, I realized after taking a deep breath.

She nodded, and I tried to keep my emotions under control by clearing my throat. I sucked in the air and added, “Principal Shaw, I appreciate your efforts to help me. A recommendation would be helpful. I hope that my presence here has benefited my students.” I stood up to depart.

She reached out and said, “Amy, I hope you find something suitable. If I know of a vacancy, I will let you know. You are a fantastic teacher. It’s difficult to say goodbye to you. I am sorry and thank you.”

I nodded and said, “Thanks.” As I headed to the staff room to retrieve my belongings, I couldn’t think of anything else. Someone placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder while I was putting my things in the bag.

Mara said, “Amy, I heard. I’m sorry, dear.”

“It’s ok. I need to leave. I’ll call you later,” I said and left the building to go to the hospital. I feel as though the world is collapsing in on me, and I’m about to crumple into respiratory arrest. Happy thoughts Amy. Happy thoughts, I tried to breathe slowly. There is just one person who can help me. Mom.

My mind is still jumbled as I pull my Chevrolet Silverado into the hospital parking lot. It wasn’t long before I was in the room, after navigating the hospital’s well-known hallways.

I just hope she remembers me today. It pierces my heart when she asks me who I am to her. I gingerly step into her room, peeping to check if she gives me a frown or a smile.

I immediately said, “Hello Mom,” when I saw my loving mother lying in bed with devices hooked in her arms and close to her chest. She had the biggest smile on her face, making me relax.

“Hi there, sweetheart. You look pale. Are you alright?” She asked nervously. After hearing the word sweetheart, I feel a twinge of pain in my heart. My father used to call me sweetheart, too. No! Happy thoughts!

I smiled, trying to hide my worries. “I’m fine, mom. How are you? I know you are not eating well.”

“I am. But enough of it. Tell me about the kids. Is Bexton still attempting to ride a bicycle to the moon?” she asked.

I attempted to calm myself by closing my eyes. She appears so vulnerable that I cannot stress her out any longer. After more than an hour, it was time for us to part ways. I sighed and held her shaking hands.

As soon as I held her hand, she frowned. She looked at me in confusion and asked, “Hello dear. Who are you?”

My lips trembled. The moment the words came out of her mouth, my heart broke. It was like a bucket of cold water was thrown on my face, making me face the reality that Mom someday would not remember me at all. I took a battered breath and ran out of the room. I clutch my chest standing outside the room, peeing at my confused mom, looking at her shaky hands.

Nurse Emily, my mother’s primary nurse, smiled sadly at me. She has been the sweetest person. She patted my hand sympathetically. “Will it ever get easy?” I asked, tears burning my eyes.

“I wish I could tell you that it will. But it is never easy to see someone you love slowly lose themselves,” she sighed, looking at my mom.

She patted my head and walked away. I looked at Mom. The memories of her laughing, playing, and helping me flash in my eyes. Looking at Mom, I still remember that she is strong and fighting against her condition.

I walked towards the reception. Dory, the receptionist, gave me the biggest smile and said, “Hi Amy, here are the bills for this month.”

I gave a tight-lipped smile and handed her my card. The beep of the machine indicated I emptied my bank account to pay the bill. All of it was worth it because it was the only thing keeping my mom alive. Once I got home, reality hit me like a ton of bricks. That was all the money I had. Even though I had some money saved in my emergency jar, it wasn’t enough to pay the bills for the month. What do I do?

After two days and no job, I was tired looking all over the town for something. I had the energy to take a shower, and I just slipped on the floor as soon as I shut the door. While sobbing, I took a glance around the tiny apartment.

When my phone rang, I quickly answered without looking. “Hello,” I sniffled.

“Aww, Amy. Open the door,” said Mara. I yanked the door open and sobbed on her chest. She kept quiet and allowed me to sob.

“What am I going to do, Mara?” I asked while crying more. I felt like a failure. I cannot provide for myself and my mom.

“Hush, Amy! Just relax.” She led me to the sofa after she said this.

My tears stopped after a while. Now that I had expressed all of my emotions and bewilderment, I could think. I reclined on the sofa with my eyes closed.

Mara instructed, “Eat up.” When did she get this? I popped open the takeout box and ate in silence.

“Amy,” she continued as I looked up, “I might have something for you.”