Fostered by their teacher

Chapter 9

Harry Slink's POV

I'm sitting at my desk, sorting through a pile of papers that needs grading when my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I see an unfamiliar number. I answer it, trying to keep my focus as I reach for my coffee.

"Hello, Mr. Slink speaking," I say, my voice even.

"Hello, Mr. Slink. It's Mrs. Lewis—uh, from Mason and Lincon's neighborhood."

Her voice sounds tense, which immediately puts me on alert. I straighten up in my chair, setting the coffee down. "Mrs. Lewis, yes. What can I do for you?"

There's a pause, like she's gathering herself before continuing. "I'm calling to let you know that Mason and Lincon won't be attending school for a while. I'm not sure how long it'll be."

That catches me off guard. Both boys are bright kids, and neither of them has had any extended absences this year. My mind starts running through the possibilities—an illness, maybe? But something in her voice tells me this is more serious than just a cold or the flu.

"Is everything alright?" I ask carefully, trying not to sound too intrusive but needing to understand the situation.

Mrs. Lewis takes a shaky breath on the other end. "Their parents were in a car accident... a really bad one. Their mother's in critical condition, and their father... well, it's just a lot right now. The kids are staying home with their older sister. They need time."

I feel a heaviness settle in my chest at her words. An accident. My mind flashes to Mason—his quiet, focused demeanor in class, the way he helps Lincon when they're both at recess. Lincon's energy, always buzzing, and his big imagination. These boys are going through something far too big for their age.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," I say softly. "Please let them know that they're in my thoughts. And... if there's anything the school can do to help, we're here. Whether it's homework, or just letting them know we're thinking of them."

"Thank you," Mrs. Lewis says quietly. "I'll make sure to pass that along. But I think right now, they just need space."

"I understand," I reply, nodding, though she can't see me. "I'll notify the office, and we'll make sure everything on our end is taken care of. You don't have to worry about that."

"Thanks, Mr. Slink," she says. "I appreciate it. I'll keep you updated when we know more."

After we hang up, I sit back in my chair, staring at the papers on my desk but no longer seeing them. My thoughts are with Mason and Lincon—how fragile life can be, especially for kids who still rely so much on their parents.

I make a mental note to prepare something for their return whenever they're ready. It won't fix anything, but maybe knowing that their school is here for them will provide a small bit of comfort in this dark time.

Tanya Slink's POV

It's early evening, and the kitchen is filled with the comforting smell of simmering sauce. As I stir the pot, my thoughts keep drifting back to the conversation I had with Harry earlier. Mason and Lincon—two sweet boys from Harry's school—won't be coming back to class for a while. Harry had mentioned it briefly during lunch, but I could tell from his voice that something serious was going on.

Just as I'm lost in thought, I hear the front door creak open. Harry's home. I turn the stove down low and wipe my hands on a towel, ready to greet him.

He steps into the kitchen, his shoulders slouched in a way that tells me today was harder than most. He sets his bag down by the door and gives me a tired smile. "Hey, Tanya."