The Thank-You at the Door

Ages 12-15

Faigy carries a folded tablecloth toward the classroom door.

A girl lifts the latch and opens it and stands aside.

"Thank you," Faigy says. "That was kind. I had both hands full, and I didn't know how I would..."

The girl shifts her hand higher on the door.

Faigy stops in the opening. One corner of the tablecloth slips over her wrist.

"I really do..."

The girl's schoolbag slides down her shoulder. She catches it with her free hand.

Faigy gathers the loose corner and steps through.

"Thank you," she says.

The girl lets the door close and puts her schoolbag on properly.

Faigy carries the tablecloth to the long table. She sets it down with both hands.

At the door, the girl lifts the latch and leaves.