Leigh sat in the Principal's office and breathed deeply. It felt like foreign territory. She'd spent two years building a working relationship with Mr. Ryckle, but he'd retired at the end of the last school year. Ms. Taladut was made acting-principal while the board dithered over hiring a replacement. Ms. Taladut was also the self-appointed expert on the special needs students.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ms. Taladut said as she sat down behind the desk. She pulled Ryley's file out ...