I was jolted out of my never-ending reverie by the ringing of my phone. I hadn't gotten a phone call in years already.

Zachary.

Could it be a late answer from him? Could he have pondered and remembered me after all? 

No.

There was no use in heightening my hopes. Zachary, like every other musician, would rather his instrument than his family. And then, too, it had been fifteen years. Zachary must have changed his phone number.

There was no hope of reaching him again.

Sighing, I answered the call.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hello, Mrs DeMilton?"

I drew in an involuntary sharp breath.

"Sorry, call me Ms Ritch. Who is speaking?"

"The principal, here, Ms Ritch."

The principal?

What did Olivia do? This was the first time I had gotten a call from the principal. Olivia was a straight-A student. There was never any chance to complain. Could it be about the 'Cruz' day?

"W-what happened? Did Olivia do anything? I can come straight over if Olivia's not there." I went on and on like a never-ending river, only stopping to catch a breath.

"No, Ms Ritch."

Then what?

"Olivia," the principal continued, "did not come to school today."

I had nothing to answer with.

"It's been two days," the principal said matter-of-factly. "Please speak to her. The third time in a week will lead to suspension. Thank you."