Violet nods but her eyes flick toward the front door. I know what she’s going to do before she does. She dashes from the kitchen and wrenches open the front door before I can even get to my feet. “Violet,” I cry. “Violet, come back!” But she’s gone. Just like she used to do when she was five and kindergarten seemed too overwhelming and hard.

She’s run and taken my pepper spray with her.

Dr. Madeline Gideon September 14, 2018

Dr. Madeline Gideon

September 14, 2018

After Jim Landry’s outburst I decided to go back and check on Cora. As I approached I heard voices floating out from the hospital room. I peeked inside and could see a man sitting next to Cora’s bed. He was leaning in close to her and brushed his fingers across her forehead, gently pushing her bangs aside. Cora was smiling up at him while a brightly colored Mylar get-well balloon, anchored by a small weight, bobbed gently on the bed next to Cora. I didn’t want to interrupt but as I was turning to leave the man saw me lingering in the doorway.

“Come on in,” he said. “I was just getting ready to leave. I’m John Dover, one of Cora’s teachers.”

I extended my hand and John Dover reached out to take it. He was taller than my six feet and I guessed he was in his early forties. He was handsome and had an easy smile that I was sure the young girls he taught found attractive. “I’m Dr. Gideon,” I introduced myself. “I don’t want to interrupt your visit.”

“Mr. Dover teaches social studies,” Cora said. “It’s my favorite subject.”

“Well, Cora is a great student,” Mr. Dover said, laying a hand on Cora’s sheet-covered foot. “You have to get well fast, Cora,” he said. “Third period won’t be the same without you there.”

Cora smiled shyly at the compliment. “I’ll try,” she said.

“Well then, I’ll count on it,” Mr. Dover said. “I should let you get some rest now. You take care.”

“You’re leaving already?” Mara Landry said as she came into the room carrying two cups of coffee.

“Well, you know those lesson plans don’t write themselves,” Mr. Dover said, causing Cora to give a little laugh.

“I’ll walk out with you,” Mara said. “Cora, what do you tell Mr. Dover?”

“Thanks for the balloon and thanks for coming to see me,” Cora said, her eyes focused downward. I imagined it was awkward, to say the least, to have your teacher see you in a hospital gown.

After Mara and Mr. Dover left I stayed behind. “That was very kind of your teacher to come and visit you,” I commented.

“He’s nice,” Cora said with a shrug. “I bet he’d come to see any student that was in the hospital.”

“Maybe,” I said. “What makes social studies your favorite class?” I asked.