THE SENTINEL
AWAY WITH WORDS

By Tessa Harvey

    Trying to hide her shock, Hazel walked along the corridor to the principal's office. She knew she would be expected to greet the students and the parents soon. 

    Esmay realised her other friend had arrived by the partially opened door and hurried to see her.

    "What is it?" she queried at once, sensing something profound was happening. "That boy, the one on the autism scale, I believe he is my grandson!"

    Matron was long schooled in hiding her feelings and was quickly regaining her equilibrium. The principal prayed quietly to herself. Then she said, "Could Blanche show the twins and their parents round the classrooms and dormitories with one of the other boys. Include Theodor. Would you like to talk to the boy's mother alone? I would like to interview the young woman about working here with us."

    It was quickly decided. The matron went to her rooms and waited for one of the few administration staff to bring her newly discovered daughter-in-law. Life is strange, she thought.

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