Questions for Answers

Prologue

Author's POV

"Mr. and Mrs. Ashton, please take a seat," Principal Charlotte said, motioning to the two empty chairs beside their daughter.

Vivian and Richard approached cautiously. River sat quietly with her head bowed.

Vivian broke the silence. "Sorry we're late. Work kept us longer than usual. May I ask why our daughter is in your office?"

Principal Charlotte folded her hands. "Yes. I wanted to discuss River's recent behavior. Are you aware that she's been getting into multiple altercations, falling asleep in class, and has been excluded from recess for bullying other students?"

Both parents froze, clearly blindsided by this information.

"Bullying?" Vivian scoffed, rising from her seat. "You must have confused her for another student. River wouldn't do those things."

Richard reached for her hand to calm her, but Vivian pulled away.

Principal Charlotte stayed composed. "Mrs. Ashton, please sit. As I said, this behavior only began a few weeks ago. I gave River the benefit of the doubt at first, hoping she'd correct it herself, but it's escalated. She's been talking back to her teacher, picking fights during lunch, and even pushed another child into the wood chips at recess. Do you have any idea what might be causing this?"

Richard finally spoke. "Principal Charlotte, we have no idea why River would act this way. It's not like her at all. River?" he turned to his daughter, "please, tell us what's going on."

But she stayed silent, not taking her eyes off the floor.

The principal flipped through her notes. "When her teacher asked why she kept falling asleep in class, River said that she stays up all night waiting for you two to come home to read her a bedtime story. Now, it's not my place to question your careers, but your absence is clearly affecting her. If it continues, I'll have no choice but to take further action. She could be removed from the school—permanently."

Vivian's voice sharpened. "Are you trying to say that we're neglecting her? Huh? We work hard and yes, we've been taking on longer shifts for about a month now, but River is taken care of."

"I'm not accusing you. But something needs to change. Your daughter needs more of your presence. Please... just think about what I've said. You're dismissed."

Vivian exhaled and stood. "Come on, baby girl," she said, reaching for River's hand. River clutched her mother's fingers as they left the office.

Once in the car, Vivian turned back. "River, you know this behavior isn't okay, right? Talking back, fighting...why would you do that?"

River's voice was small. "Because I'm so alone in that big house. I miss when you were home. You don't want to be around me anymore."

Richard turned in his seat. "Sweetheart, that's not true. We love you so much. Brenda said she's been keeping an eye on you, so you haven't really been alone. But if you're feeling this way then we need to talk about it."

River nodded, still unsure. "I just want to spend more time with you guys."

Vivian offered a soft smile. "How about some ice cream? Then the park?"

River's eyes lit up. "So cool!"

Richard chuckled and started the car. "Icy Treats it is."

They spent the afternoon enjoying cones and laughing at the park. River jumped from the swing with a proud, "Look what I can do!" Her parents clapped, cheering her on.

Richard 's face suddenly changed. He was deep in thought and his wife couldn't help but notice.

She placed a hand onto his leg, gauging his attention. "What's going through your head right now?"