“Look after the boy.”

I wanted a clearer answer.

He was already turning back to his mirror, and children would be arriving in minutes.

I went to the office rather than turning the bus into a place for an argument.

Nora sat behind the counter with a blue pen.

I asked to inspect Ethan’s recent attendance and release records.

She gave me the request procedure, and I completed it there.

After checking my identity and the parental information on file, she confirmed two early departures in the preceding school week: Tuesday and Thursday, both around one.