Lucy squeezed my fingers as we walked toward the heavy glass doors.

Her red plush rabbit was tucked firmly into the mesh side pocket of her backpack, its squashed left ear poking up past the zipper.

“Will my art teacher be here today?” Lucy asked as we stepped into the warm lobby.

“Yes, sweetheart,” I said.

“Class starts right after the morning announcements.”

We went to the main office counter to check in.

Mrs.