The same wastebasket beside the teacher’s desk.

Clara felt her stomach tighten.

She remembered standing there with the yellow sticky note.

Then Ben placed a hand lightly near Scout’s harness.

The ordinary sound of the buckle brought her attention back to the present.

Patel addressed the class.

“Today we’re reviewing part of Clara’s report about military working dogs.

Ben Reed will explain the terminology, and Scout will demonstrate a trained behavior under the approved conditions.”