"Thank you, Mr. Thompson," she said. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried through the office. Everyone turned to look at her—at us—standing in her doorway. "We're lucky to have a student like you," she added with a smile.
"Thank you, ma'am," I murmured. "I'll...head back to class."
She nodded and turned to let me pass. Linda smiled at me and impulsively leaned closer to put her hand on my other shoulder.
"I'll call your mom and let her know what happened," she said softly. She looked at Dr. Hill and they exchanged a nod. "I wouldn't want her to worry if she hears that something happened here today."
"Thanks, Linda," I said, giving her hand a squeeze. "You are a really good friend. I appreciate it."
* * *
I was troubled as I made my way back down the hallways to my English class. Was
