“We can’t keep the position open on the current basis.

Your last day will be Friday.”

I looked at the folder.

Patricia asked whether another schedule was available.

There wasn’t one the school could offer.

It was an employment conversation, not a verdict on my worth, but I did not feel that distinction immediately.

I had spent six years making sure other people could walk into clean classrooms and find what they needed.

Now the school had a folder ready for my leaving.