Solitude

Part Forty Five

It was Monday. It was time for Eve to conquer her fear and tell people.

She got to the school at 8:00, and during the school-wide meeting with all the staff, near the end, she stood and said, "I have an announcement before we end."

Every pair of eyes turned her way. "During break, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I could have a seizure at anytime, but for me, I often get warnings before it happens. So yes, I could have a seizure during class, but I'm telling my students what to expect."

And then it was time to go, and the meeting was dismissed. Eve walked out purposefully. She could do this.

A coworker tapped her on the shoulder as she walked down the hall, "Eve?"

She stopped and turned to face the speaker. "Yeah?" She recognized the person as Aaron Daes.

"I had epilepsy too," he said. "I know how it feels. It was worse for me because I never got a warning but - if you ever want to talk - my room is right next to yours."

"Thanks, Aaron," she said truthfully. "I'm sure I'll be in there soon... Unfortunately."

"If you want me there I can help you when you're explaining."

"Yeah, Aaron, that'd be great. I'd really appreciate it."

"Anytime. So do you just want me in there, or do you want me to start, or what?"

"Well..." Eve thought about it, as she resumed walking. "Why don't you be in there at 9, and you can open by saying something like, 'I'm Mr. Daes, some of you may know me as I teach math in this pod,' or something, and then ask, 'How many of you know that epilepsy is?' Along those lines..."

"Sounds great. I'm glad I can help!"

"Me, too," she said with a smile, and walked the rest of the way to her room actually wanting 9:00 to come - she was excited.

This is so much easier than I thought it would be.