Finally, I reached the classroom. The kids hadn't listened to me.
Goddamn it. I told them all to freaking wait in the class!
All the desks were empty, except for one. I squinted my eyes to study the occupied one. Huddled in the corner, a small figure sat hunched over, his shoulders shaking. Then, his small whimper drew my complete attention to him.
It was Liam. Relief was an understatement for how I felt right now.
"Liam!" I rushed towards him, bellowing.
He looked up and I saw his eyes red-rimmed and tear-streaked.
"Ms. Isleen," he croaked, his voice trembling. "What's happening?"
Oh, the poor boy.
I knelt before him, gathering him in a tight embrace. His small frame shook against mine, and for a moment, I wanted to protect him with everything I had.
All that mattered was the warmth of his body pressed against mine, the soft sobs that muffled against my shirt. Liam felt like me way too much.
