my mom tells me right after dinner. “Look at what you just ate, for heaven’s sake.” Meatballs, mashed potatoes, and peas. And applesauce for dessert. Sure, I ate everything. But maybe I was only being polite. “In my humble opinion,” Mom says, “you were well enough today to stay in school.” She gives me a look. “The nurse said so, Emma. In fact, I don’t know why I let you talk me into bringing you home. I figured you needed a day off, so I gave in. But don’t press your luck, sweetie.” “I did need a day off,” I agree. “And about that so-called school nurse, I don’t think she really even is one! She doesn’t wear a uniform, Mom. Just regular clothes. And she keeps saying ‘tummy,’ instead of ‘stomach,’ which is just wrong, if you’re a real nurse. Sure, she has a stethoscope and a name tag, but that doesn’t make it official. Anyone can buy those things in a costume store.” Mom laughs. “So you think the school nurse is pulling off some elaborate stunt because she really, really, really wants little kids to sneeze on her all day long?
