Maebh Arden did not want to believe the rumours, but somehow, she knew it was true.
It wasn't the malevolent type of rumour, accompanied by a raised eyebrow and a snicker. It was a quiet word, shared in gentleness and grief.
The teachers were all strangely subdued, and a few of them had clearly been crying, though they tried to keep up a strong persona for the sake of the children.
And Miss Oswald hadn't been seen all day.
It became official when the principal summoned a school assembly. For once, the students entered in silence and were quickly seated, without any of the usual yells and jeers, as teachers attempted to maintain any sort of order.
Today, there was nothing but order. Nothing but respect. Not a single smile to be found.
The speech was beautiful. Someone had place a framed photograph of Mr Pink on a table, center-stage. He was smiling in the photograph, as usual.
Slowly, without thinking, but knowing it was the right thing to do, Maebh squeezed into the aisle and walked up the stairs. The school looked at her, but said nothing. Her quiet footsteps echoed in the hall, the only sound amidst respectful silence.
Maebh ascended the stairs like a soldiers, arms by her sides, one step at a time. Left. Right. Left.
Then, looking into the eyes of her beloved teacher in the photo, she raised her right arm, and saluted.
There were no words necessary. Somehow, in unison, the others students and staff followed. A salute of respect, of thanks, and of goodbye. To Mr Danny Pink, our teacher and our friend.
Somewhere near the back of the hall, a music student raised a trumpet to his lips, and played a flow of melancholy music. Some of the students recognised the tune as a modified, happier version of the Last Post.
When the music finished, Maebh turned around and returned to her seat. Ruby, who was sitting next to her, gave her a hug.
"Ruby?" Maebh said when the assembly had concluded.
Ruby looked at her. "Yes?"
"Let's do something for Miss Oswald."