Fragile Orbit

I couldn’t hold the look. I glanced away, fast. A hush slowly settled over the room as the teacher stepped forward to welcome everyone.

I sat still, hands folded tightly in my lap, heart thudding against my chest, not because of Lydia, or Vance, or even Rosa’s concerned glances from beside me. But because my little boy was about to take the stage.

The curtains parted and the first group of kids wa