As the last bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I began packing up my things in the classroom. Suddenly, Laura appeared at my desk, her usual confident smile in place.

"Mr. Thompson, can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked. "I know I've had some absences recently"she began, "and I wanted to explain. I've been training for a big bodybuilding competition, and I need more time to prepare. Could I get permission to miss a few more classes?"