Sophia’s P.O.V

I threw the classroom door open so hard it rattled in the frame. “I have to go!” I gasped, breath coming in quick, ragged gasps. “I’m taking the kids home. Now.”

Every head swiveled toward me like a flock of birds. Emmanuel, Tara, and Sara looked up from their desks, their faces folding into something between confusion and fear. “Mom?” Emmanuel’s voice was small; Tara’s lip trembled; Sara’s hands curled around the edge of her ...