Slow Dissolve

The math test paper sat on Willa's desk like an accusation. Red ink covered the white page, corrections, question marks, a big circled "D-" at the top that felt like a slap across her face. Three months ago, Willa had been getting A's in algebra. Now she could barely remember how to solve basic equations.

"Miss Voss?" Mrs. Hale's voice cut through the fog in Willa's head. "Could you please solve p