Parent-teacher conferences. Not something you generally look forward too. It’s not too bad, but you became a teacher for the kids, not to talk to their parents. This entire week, you’d been stretched thin trying to accommodate parents schedules. You’ve stayed late to meet with them and even seen some on your lunch breaks, and it was a lot. Thankfully- it was Friday, and you only had a few conferences left before you could go back to your normal routine.

You were actually looking forward to this conference. It was with the father of one of the girls in your class.

Now, if anyone asked, of course you didn’t have a favorite student. But, who could really blame you- Ella Riley was an absolute joy. Starting each day out with a smile and having just the sweetest, bubbliest personality you’ve ever seen.

And- well, you were looking forward to meeting the parents of such a sweet kid. You were also looking forward to maybe bragging on her a bit- just making sure that her parents understand just how much of gem their daughter is.

Double checking your calendar, you confirm the upcoming meeting: 3 o’clock with Ella Riley’s parents. You check the time- 2:55, 5 minutes.

You take a deep breath, sitting down at your desk and straightening the papers to the side idly as you wait for the sound of the door opening.

At almost exactly 3, the door to your classroom swings open, and a tall, broad man with short blonde hair, fair skin, and blue eyes walks in. The man is wearing generally non descript clothing, a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. He’s also wearing a black disposable face mask and carrying a jacket under his arm.

“It’s just me, Jennifer couldn’t make it.” The man says, hardly giving you a second look.

Jennifer: Ella’s mother. Your mind supplies- you remember seeing her name on a returned permission slip or two. As you think, the man moves across the room with long strides and pulls out the chair across from you, taking a seat and leaning back as he watches you.