A Box of Crayons

All hands on deck, literally, as children of Class 1C had their heads down drawing colorful images on their drawing sheets. There were hush whispers, no doubt among few pupils and the faint sounds of papers flipping.

“If you need another sheet, just say so.” Miss Gladys, the teacher said from her place leaning on the her table. As she looked over the little ones concentrating on their class work, she noticed one head wasn’t down. Kenna. Long blonde hair and doll-like eyes.

“Kenna?” She walked to join the little girl on the isle. The 7-year-old had a little pout on her face, her brows drawn together in confusion or frustration, Gladys couldn’t tell yet.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have my crayons.”

“Oh!”

Kenna’s brows dipped lower, eyes darting across to Maria who was staring rather guiltily.

“Maria hasn’t returned them.” Kenna said with a bite in her tone.

Gladys looked between the two girls. The class had dropped their work and now caught up in what looked to be drama.

Maria's eyes watered, the freckles on her nose more visible with the pink hue on her round childish face. Two pigtails held at the hem with pink bows.

“Kenna. I gave them to you yesterday. You must have left them somewhere.”

“She’s lying teacher. You never returned them.”

“I did.” Maria was on the verge of tears.

Kenna opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by Gladys,

“Alright Children. Come with me. Class, back to your assignment.”

The two girls followed. Kenna's stride was more of foot stomps and Maria trailed behind slowly, her head low as she wiped tears away with her chubby fingers.

In the hallway, Miss Gladys observed the two girls. She knew Maria returned the crayons yesterday because she was currently with them. She had asked Kenna for them so she could keep a boy entertained for after-school lessons as he was an orphan and did not have much. She had forgotten to return it first thing in the morning which has clearly brought them into this moment.

She sighed a bit tiredly, “Kenna. Maria returned your crayons yesterday.”

Kenna looked at her teacher in clear indignation, “No teach-”

“Listen sweetheart.” Gladys squatted to her level, “You gave me those crayons yesterday before you left. I forgot to return them to you.”

Shock was evident on the little girl’s face, “I did? I don’t remember.”

“I know you don’t honey. Now, you would need to apologize to Maria. You made her feel bad.”

Kenna turned remorseful eyes to Maria who was full on crying, “I’m sorry Maria. I never meant to make you feel bad. Could you forgive me?”

Maria furiously swiped at her tears while nodding. She opened up to speak but was pulled into a hug by Kenna. That seemed to make Maria cry more. Her face covered by Kenna’s small shoulder,

“It’s okay. I’m sorry for making you cry. Hush now. It’s okay.” Kenna cooed and gave Maria affectionate pats.

“Okay girls. Now that’s settled, go inside. Kenna, your crayon is in my first drawer. I will be right back.”

Kenna turned to her teacher with wide eyes, “Are you going to report me? I really didn’t mean to.” It was now Kenna’s turn to cry. Her lips quivered. Maria looked at the teacher, eyes still red,

“Don’t report her teacher. It was a mistake.”

“Oh no! I’m not reporting anyone. I just have business to settle that’s all. Go on now. Go finish your work.”

They both nodded and disappeared into the classroom. With a deep breath, Gladys turned and walked to the Headmistress’s office.

Mrs. Begonia was a woman in her late forties with a few wrinkles visible on her face. Always on light make-up and her spectacles, her dirty blonde in a neat bun. She sat behind the desk covered in organized papers and books, a pencil cup and computer.

“So what are you saying Gladys?”

“That as a child psychologist, I need your permission to take an evaluation for these two children.”

“Gladys-”

“Please Ma’am. Kenna is exhibiting early signs of ADHD and Maria may be going through emotional abuse. I have been observing them. There is no way I’m wrong. I just need the school’s permission and that of the parents of course. I need to speak with their parents first, especially Maria’s, to adequately address this issues. The source always has most of the answers.”

“And let’s say you are right. What happens then?”

“Normally, we would put the children in counseling but given how limited we are in resources, I can do that. The parents also have to come in once or twice a week to be counseled on how to handle these situations.”

Mrs. Begonia heaved a sigh. This has never been done in over ten years since her time with the school. Gladys has proven herself many times to be a valuable asset and she knew she could trust her and give her the support she needs.

“Okay. I will put a call through to both parents and have them meet with you individually after you get that evaluation report.”

Gladys smiled, “So I have permission?”

“Yes, my dear. You’ve never given me reason to doubt you. I hope to help these children if they need it. You have had ten years in your field and your world recognition plus awards say it all. I still wonder why you chose to come here of all places to work.”

Gladys smiled, her brown eyes glittering with internal knowledge. She was like these ones. Poor with no leverage or guidance. Her mum was a teacher before she passed from cancer. An icon and the support she needed all the time. She helped her through Down Syndrome. She was the inspiration she needed to become who she was.

“I love children Ma’am. And what I love more than children, is watching them grow and blossom. I chose here because I knew I could do so much. That’s my purpose.”

Gladys returned to the class to find Maria and Kenna talking on their choice of drawings. Gladys watched the whole class of boys and girls. She was going to touch each life one way or the other. She was sure of it.

“Teacher, look what I drew.”

“What is that?” She said and took the sheet to look.

“A box of crayons. I dedicated it to Maria. She’s my best friend now.”

Gladys looked to Maria who just blushed and looked away.

“Well I’m sure Maria likes it a lot. Right Maria?”

Maria nodded slowly, playing with her hands nervously.

“Okay then. Let me see all your works.” She said to the class.

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