The school called. “Your daughter hasn’t been pick…

edge of the drafting table.

Unknown number.

I answered absently, still staring at the line I had just ruined with my thumb.

“This is Lena Hail.”

A woman’s voice came back tight with fatigue and irritation.

“Miss Hail, this is Crestview Elementary. Your daughter hasn’t been picked up. It’s been three hours.”

The charcoal pencil rolled from my fingers, hit continue reading …