Sharlene had only two days of rest before her wonderful husband came home. Not that it made any difference. Even when Martin was home, they barely saw each other—each wrapped in their own schedules and responsibilities.
Nothing had changed.
She used to shake her head at how hopeful she'd been. Now, she tried to avoid stress, knowing she needed to recover emotionally. She also had to prepare to return to the school where she taught.
Ashley was still with her, holding her hand tightly as they entered the school. A chill ran down Sharlene's spine as she remembered the image of Ashley wearing a hospital gown.
Sharlene, you need to avoid putting your child in danger. The thought echoed in her mind.
She accompanied Ashley to the classroom, gave her some reminders, and was about to leave when her daughter's adviser called her.
"Good morning, Mrs. Francisco," the teacher greeted.
Sharlene offered a polite smile. "Good morning too, Ma'am."
The teacher looked out of breath, as if she had rushed just to catch her.
Sharlene waited patiently, noticing the paper in the teacher's hand.
"Take your time, Ma'am," she said with a gentle smile.
She had no classes that morning, so she wasn't in a hurry.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," the teacher apologized, finally catching her breath. "This is the parents' consent form for the upcoming field trip."
Sharlene furrowed her brows as she read the paper. The trip was scheduled for Friday—just a half-day educational tour nearby. Nothing too far.
She nodded, then asked, "Aren't any parents allowed to accompany the children, Ma'am?"
"Unfortunately, guardians aren't allowed," the teacher explained kindly. "The children need to experience this on their own. It's part of their growth and learning."
Sharlene looked uncertain.
"Is it compulsory? Must the child really attend?"
"Yes, Ma'am," the teacher said gently. "It's a mandatory part of the program."
Sharlene glanced at Ashley, who was watching her eagerly from the classroom window.
She'll feel left out if I don't let her join.
With a sigh, she took a pen from her pocket, signed the form, and handed it back.
"Thank you very much, Ma'am," the teacher said gratefully.
Sharlene gave a small bow, then waved at Ashley through the window. Ashley returned it with a big smile. Her teacher reentered the classroom, and Sharlene made her way to the high school department to prepare for her own class.
She would be teaching senior high students that day. She gathered her books and walked across the campus.
But her mind was elsewhere—on the unresolved problems at home.
Martin had been bringing up divorce again. Their relationship, he said, just wasn't working.
I want to leave too, Martin. But think of our child. If you can throw this family away, I can't hurt Ashley like that.
They were only living under the same roof for appearances. The family, in truth, was already broken. Still, Sharlene held on, for Ashley's sake.
Their arguments at home were frequent. She tried to shield Ashley from them, but Martin often pushed her with cruel words. She endured it, stayed silent, took the emotional blows—all for her child to still have a father.
I wish he thought the same way.
Lost in thought, she arrived at her classroom and checked the section name and grade to ensure she was in the right place. Then she entered.
The class fell silent. Even before she could ask them to stand, they were already up.
She sighed. She had no energy today, but she had to set her personal life aside. Her students waited patiently.
"Who is assigned to lead the prayer today?" she asked.
One student raised their hand and went to the front. It was the usual classroom routine—an opening prayer, a quick activity, discussion, and then a short quiz. When the bell rang, she exited promptly.
With an hour of free time, she returned to the faculty room and sat at her desk. Her workload had piled up since her brief leave to handle her grandmother Felicia's funeral.
She let out a sigh. The room was quiet. Most teachers were still in class.
As she was filling out some forms, a strange feeling crept over her. Her eyes flicked toward the door.
You're just imagining things again, Sharlene, she told herself, shaking her head.
She refocused on her work.
But a sudden loud noise startled her. She stood up and stepped out of the faculty room.
No one was there.
She was about to return when she saw a figure standing a few meters away—a girl in a junior high uniform, her back turned.
Sharlene frowned. "Go back to your class now," she said firmly.
No reply.
"What grade are you in?" she asked again.
The girl slowly turned.
Her face was sad.
"She's waiting for you."
And then, she vanished.
Just like that—gone.
The hairs on Sharlene's arms stood on end. She rushed back to her desk, her mind racing.
Did I imagine that? Was that real?
Why is this ability haunting me again? she thought.
She sighed heavily, her heart still pounding.
Who is waiting for me?