Teen woke up at 5 the next morning, feeling much better. Their body felt lighter, their head clear. They opened their schoolbag to complete their homework. Mum woke up at 6 and gave them an approving smile. Teen relished in this moment - Mum and Dad rarely gave compliments, something that was just the way it was in their culture.
At school, however, Teen wasn't received as positively. Mr Charleton actually asked Teen to stay at break time. Teen's stomach twisted into a knot as they quickly went through everything they've done that day, not sure why they were in trouble.
"Teen, you're not in trouble," said Mr Charleton kindly. Teen visibly relaxed. But then Mr Charleton frowned. "Did you Mum and Dad say you were well enough for school today?"
Teen shrugged. "I feel better now. I caught up on homework."
Mr Charleton signed. "Teen," he explained, "I know you and your family have only been here for 2 years, but there's something we do in this country that might be different than what you're used to."
Teen blinked.
"You had a high temperature yesterday," continued Mr Charleton, "and in this country, when children have a high temperature, they need to stay home for at least a full day after they get better. Your body still needs rest, and you can still make your classmates poorly."
Teen shifted in their seat.
"I know it's not your fault," Mr Charleton puts up a hand, his voice reassuring, "I just wanted you to know this. I'll sort it out with your parents so they know what to do in the future. In the meantime, if you feel poorly again, you need to let me know."
Teen nodded.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The heaviness and aches made a comeback during English. Teen started feeling poorly halfway through the lesson so they put their head on their desk again. They were sure Mr Charleton saw them, but he said nothing. They started to feel cold just before lunch, and wished they had a second jumper. Mr Charleton asked them to stay again.
"Miss McIntosh will be here in a moment," said Mr Charleton, "you look dreadful."
Teen said nothing. They felt dreadful. They kept resting their head against their desk.
Another round of beeping. "38.6, dear," said Miss McIntosh sadly, "looks like we got to ring Mum and Dad again."
Teen sniffled and said nothing.
Mr Charleton and Miss McIntosh whispered something to each other, and Mr Charleton spoke again.
"Do you want to wait in the teepee instead of reception? There's lots of blankets and you can be more comfortable in there."
Teen gladly accepted. Blankets in a teepee sounded so much better than a cold, open chair.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
CPOMS - New Incident
Name of Student: Teen Lin
Class: 18
Nature of Incident: medical/first aid
Recorded by: Olivia McIntosh, receptionist
Incident
Teen had a high temperature of 38.2 yesterday while in school and was sent home. Dad took 1hr to arrive.
Teen came back to school today because they felt better in the morning. Class Teacher (Sean McIntosh) emailed family about keeping children home until 24 hours after normal temperatures without medications at morning break. Teen then felt worse and developed another temperature of 38.6 by lunch time. Mum unreachable. Dad picked up and hung up, then unreachable. Consulted DSL, advised to monitor temp every hour, continue to try reaching parents via phone, and to ring 999 if Teen showed signs of medical distress.
Actions
Temperature log
Noon - 38.6 - Dad hung up, Mum can't be reached. Left messages for both.
1pm - 38.7 - both parents unreachable, left messages.
2pm - 38.9 - both parents unreachable, Mum inbox full, left messages for dad.
3pm - 39.1 - both parents unreachable, both parents' inbox full.
3:15pm - Teen picked up at the end of school day by approved adult Dale (caretaker from Mum's work). Teen looked very poorly.
Signed, Thursday 5th April 2018 15:48
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Added Actions
Teen arrived at school today looking poorly but with normal temperature. Reported Mum gave them medicine in the morning and they're now all better. Attempted to ring parents again with no response. Both parents inbox full.
Action added by - Olivia McIntosh, Receptionist
Signed, Friday 6th April 2018 9:53
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Added Actions
Continued monitoring for Teen
9am - 36.6
10am - 37.2
11am - 37.8
Noon - 38.5
1pm - 38.9
2pm - 39.4
3pm - 39.4
3:15pm - picked up by Dale
Both parents unreachable by phone, inbox full.
Action added by - Olivia McIntosh, Receptionist
Signed, Friday 6th April 2018 15:37
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Added Actions
Teen was sick today around 2:30pm. Cleaner called. Comfort provided. Teen then continued to rest in the Teepee until pickup. Teen has also started to get a wet-sounding cough this afternoon. They report feeling very poorly, and sound and appear very poorly. Teen spent the whole day in the Teepee.
Action added by - Sean Charleton, Teacher
Signed, Friday 6th April 2018 16:03
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Aded Actions
Social Services notified of incident. Assessment interviews starting next week.
Action added by - Rachel Lennon, Deputy Head, DSL
Signed, Friday 6th April 208 16:36
YOU ARE READING
Invisible
General FictionTeen is a quiet child who is never ill. They do their best to be good, and they do their best to stay invisible. But sometimes, especially as COVID turns their world upside down, they just wants to be seen... Main contain occasional swear words. Con...
