Millie

Monday morning and it's the first day of school. All the children file into the classrooms. Last to enter is a small girl named Millie. Miss Brown calls the register, the children answer. Last to be called is Millie.

"Millie Zachary?"

"Yes," comes the quiet reply.

Amber Palsy is intrigued by Millie. She watches the hunched figure, sees herself in Millie.

"Excuse me?" Amber leans in and whispers to Millie.

Millie looks up, but does not say a word. Her eyes are filled with sadness.

"I'm Amber," she holds out her hand.

Millie glances at Amber's hand but doesn't shake it.

"Are you ok?"

Millie looks at the floor. She frowns and Amber sees a small tear trickle down her cheek. Amber is unsure what to do.

"Millie? Are you nervous about the first day of school? It'll be alright. I promise." she reaches out to touch her but Millie pulls away. She looks into Amber's eyes, tears flowing down her cheeks.

"No. It won't"

Amber watches as Millie gets up and leaves the room. She leaves her bag behind.

Tuesday morning and it's the second day of school. Millie's bag is still where she left it. All the children file into the classrooms. Miss Brown calls the register. When she gets to Millie's name she stops.

"Class, I have some terrible news. Yesterday Millie committed suicide,"

Amber Palsy stops. She frowns. A small tear trickles down her cheek. She drops her bag and leaves.