Sharlene hurried to the school office after receiving a call. Today marked the start of her official leave—just one month, she had told them, enough time to search for the truth that now clouded her identity.
Now, she stood in front of the principal's office, a folder of documents in hand, including her approved leave form. She would miss her advisory class dearly, but she knew this was necessary. Her thoughts were consumed by her child's condition, and she could no longer maintain her composure.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she knocked gently. The secretary inside looked up and nodded at her.
"The principal is waiting for you," the secretary informed her.
Sharlene took another breath and knocked again on the door to announce her arrival.
"Come in," came the voice from inside.
"Mrs. Francisco," the principal greeted her with a nod, eyes studying her carefully.
"Good morning, Ma'am," Sharlene said, showing her due respect.
"Good morning. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," she replied, quietly settling into the chair.
A heavy silence hung between them for a moment.
"This will be your last duty before your leave, correct? A full month of paid vacation," the principal said, breaking the silence.
Sharlene nodded.
"I'll give the final document to H.R. later. They've been requesting it," she added.
The principal nodded again, her eyes filled with sympathy. She exhaled audibly before speaking again.
"The incident really shocked everyone. So many children lost their lives… It caused quite a scandal for our school. As a result, we've decided to suspend all field trips for both junior and senior high departments."
Sharlene swallowed hard but said nothing.
"How's your child?" the principal asked gently, eyes softening.
"Ashley's holding on, Ma'am," Sharlene answered quietly.
"I heard she's still in a coma. I can only imagine the weight you're carrying right now," the principal said, her voice full of understanding. "But please… Come back when she's okay. We'll be here when you're ready."
"Thank you so much for your concern," Sharlene replied sincerely.
The principal patted her on the back with a kind smile. "Don't worry about your advisory class. Their substitute will be starting tomorrow."
Sharlene simply nodded, emotion tight in her chest.
"Is there anything else I need to sign?" the principal asked politely.
"N-no, Ma'am. Everything is in place. This will all be over soon," she said, voice low but steady.
"Alright. Just take your time. Focus on your child—and yourself," the principal said kindly.
"Thank you." Sharlene stood up, bowed her head respectfully, and quietly closed the door behind her.
She exhaled as she stepped into the hallway. A colleague gently patted her on the shoulder, offering silent support. That small gesture eased the storm in her chest, if only for a moment.
She made her way to the H.R. office to submit the last of her documents. She didn't want to return tomorrow—not when her attention should be on Ashley.
As she handed over the paperwork, she was reminded again of the temporary financial aid she was receiving from the school. It was the only thing helping her cover the hospital bills. Without it, she didn't know how she would afford Ashley's treatment.
I need to hurry, she thought to herself.
Before leaving the campus entirely, Sharlene passed by her old classroom. She needed to check what lesson she had last taught and prepare a plan for the substitute.
"Ma'am?" A soft voice called out to her.
She turned and saw one of her students standing near the door.
"Will you come back, too?" the student asked with innocent eyes.
"My leave is only for a month. And please, help your new teacher by letting them know where we left off, okay?" she reminded.
"I hope you all behave while I'm gone. I don't want to hear any complaints about this class," she added with a small, weary smile.
The student nodded solemnly. Sharlene looked around at the familiar faces. None of them showed sadness, but their quiet expressions spoke volumes. She smiled to herself.
Children, she thought with a soft chuckle and a gentle shake of her head.
"I'm leaving now. See you when I see you," she told her class.
For the next month, she would not be a teacher—she would be a mother. And she would begin unraveling the truth hidden behind the lies surrounding Leah.
Sharlene headed straight to her grandmother's old house. But as she approached the gate, she was taken aback—someone was already waiting outside, as if expecting her.
She narrowed her eyes, trying to make out the figure. As she drew closer, recognition struck her like lightning.
"Lawrence?" she gasped.
The man smiled warmly. "I'm glad you still remember me," he said.
Her brows furrowed. Lawrence had been her childhood friend ever since she was taken in by Linda Rosario—her adoptive mother and daughter of Grandma Felicia.
She still couldn't quite believe he was standing in front of her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, almost breathless.
Lawrence chuckled. "I'm just on vacation. I heard you got married and moved to the neighboring town," he said with a grin. "How have you been?"
"We relocated because of my husband's job. I'm fine," Sharlene lied smoothly.
"Oh? Are you on vacation here with your husband?" he asked casually.
"Y-Yes… But he's not here at the moment. He's busy," she answered, lying again.
Lawrence paused, silently observing her. But eventually, he nodded in acceptance.
"Well, I'll leave you to it," he said. "It was nice seeing you again."
"I'm glad to see you, too," she said sincerely.
"I was just passing by—perfect timing that I ran into you," he added with a smile.
Sharlene nodded, watching as Lawrence climbed into his car and drove off. She stood there, stunned by their unexpected reunion.
I didn't even get to ask how he was doing, she thought, now inside the house.
That man still has that smile… she mused, chuckling quietly to herself.
But she knew she couldn't tell him the truth—not now. She didn't want to drag her one and only friend into the chaos of her life.
She took a moment to tidy herself and clean the house. The surroundings were calm, almost eerily quiet. She would rest for now and return to the hospital first thing in the morning.