Annika was up early that next morning to get to school and set up for her first ever Parents’ Visitation. A glance outside confirmed the light January snowfall that had been predicted, but nothing was sticking, so it would be school as usual. Parents’ Visitation was the day all the parents came to the classroom to observe their children. She had discussed this with the children, how they were supposed to do their work like normal, so their parents could see how well they worked in school. Annika couldn’t help but feel that the success of this day was a reflection of her abilities as a teacher, so she wanted to be there early enough to get things together and gather herself.

She was particularly concerned about Mitch, the little boy who would not speak or interact with the other children. He’d been evaluated and had exhausted the school’s considerable resources but still was not showing improvement at school. She’d had a meeting with Mitch’s mother and learned that he spoke nonstop at home. Annika had done some research and had requested an IEP meeting, which would involve the parents and school officials. The meeting was for tomorrow.

Her heels clacked loudly in the empty hallway, and had she been alone, she might have found it eerie. But she was accompanied by the soft-shoed officer who patrolled the school. Police presence had become commonplace at the school, and she generally did not spend too much time concerned about it. But with Daniel’s concerns fresh on her mind, she looked at the school through different eyes as she followed procedure and walked behind Officer Keely.

“Big day today?” Officer Keely grinned at her.

“Does it show? I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been.”

Officer Keely chuckled and shook his head as they reached her classroom. “You’ll be great, Ms. Mehta. The kids love you. I’ve heard talk around the school that every one of your kids loves you the best.”

Annika inhaled deeply and smiled at the man. He was probably about her age and wore a wedding band. Putting himself in harm’s way for the school. For the children. For her. The thought made her shudder. “Thanks for saying that. I appreciate it.”

Officer Keely walked into her classroom while she waited at the door. This was protocol now. Her heart grew heavy as she glanced down the familiar hallway and into her classroom. She had still been a student in teachers college watching the news in horror as grim journalists covered the shooting that had ripped terror through this place. The walls had been repainted, repairs had been done and Officer Keely had been employed.