Mara,
My heart broke today. I was grading papers when there was a commotion outside my classroom door. It was a group of kids surrounding a girl, all clapping aggressively. With every clap, she would flinch, causing them to do it more. My heart tore apart at the sight. Mara, the girl's mother is dead. She was shot and killed by her awful step-father.
I sent the tormentors away, planning to get them suspended at the least. The poor girl was shaking with sobs when I led her into the mercifully empty classroom. She stayed in there the whole day, shaking. Her eyes were wide open and filled with tears, no doubt recalling her past horrors.
I will never understand how children can be so cruel. How people in general can do monstrous things purposefully for their sick amusement.
She wouldn't talk to me, the principal, or the counselor. Thinking back, I think it's because she couldn't. She was always quiet; I think that sort of fear takes the talk right out of you.
I hope I said the right to her. I know you would have.
As always,
Anna
