John Ridley poked his head in. “Can I talk to you, Miss Henderson?” One of her younger students, John was a quiet boy, who Ellie suspected came from an abusive home. He’d often showed results of whippings, and she’d heard in town Mrs. Ridley had sported black eyes on occasion and one time a broken arm. The boy stood in front of her, twisting his worn brown woolen cap.“Sure, John, have a seat.” She nodded at the student desk in front of her.The boy slid onto the seat, and continued to fumble with his cap. Ellie rested her elbows on the desk and smiled. “Why are you here so late?” “I just came from Mr. Colbert’s office.” He took a deep breath, and his young voice trembled. “I’m in big trouble, Miss Henderson.”The poor boy looked terrified. “What happened?”He licked his lips. “You remember the envelope you keep in your desk with money in it?”“Yes.” Ellie had been collecting money from the students to buy food items to add to the Christmas baskets. At last count she had five dollars and forty-two cents.John slumped.
