Lucretia lay face down on the table, her arms splayed out to the sides, when Philip walked into the classroom. He slid into the seat beside her, his eyes fixed on her profile. 

"Lucretia...?" he called softly, but she ignored him, her face buried in her arms.

Philip sighed and tried again. "I'm sorry for yesterday, Lucretia. Something came up, and I couldn't come over to play with you." He paused, hoping she would respond, but she remained still.

Slowly, Lucretia raised ...