All Around Your Island

Disclaimer: None of this is mine, with the exception of a few minor characters. Don't be deceived.

A.N. And now we come to my third story. They say third time's a charm; let's hope "they" are right. This is just a little trip into the idea of forgiveness and the many forms mercy may take. I hope you enjoy it and that you'll leave some feedback if you do.

Sarah walked her little brother into his new classroom. It was Toby's first day of school – first grade. It occurred to her for at least the tenth time that morning how lucky he was, how lucky they both were, that he had made it this far. Twice now her carelessness had almost cost him a future. She gave him a hug and sent him off to pick a desk next to David, his best friend since preschool.

"Ms. Williams," his teacher called, "may I speak with you for a minute?"

Sarah smiled at Mrs. Griffin, the tall first grade teacher who had still been a natural brunette when she taught Sarah's class. Thirteen years of teaching first-graders had trailed gray hairs from her temples through the bouffant hairstyle she was still sporting from '84.

"Please call me Sarah, Mrs. Griffin. You only called me Ms. Williams when I was in trouble. It makes me nervous."

"Alright, Sarah," she said, emphasizing the first name with a laugh, "I just had a few questions regarding Toby. I understand you're in school most of the week, and I wanted to know who Toby's allowed to go home with."

"Oh, thank you. You know I left specific instructions with the front office when I did all of his paperwork."

"Yes, I'm afraid communication is not what it used to be here." Mrs. Griffin said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, I have classes Monday through Thursday, so on those days Toby goes home with David and I'll pick him up on Fridays. He is not to go off with ANYONE else, no exceptions, and I've already discussed this with him. Don't let him try and tell you he can go home with one of his other friends." Sarah smiled, but it was a little forced around the edges. She had always been paranoid when strangers were around her little brother, and that had only increased since she had been made his guardian.

Mrs. Griffin touched her arm and asked, "What about you, Sarah? How are you doing?"

"I won't say it's been easy. Sometimes I think Toby still expects them to come home one day. But we're holding up."

"You know, I think Toby's incredibly fortunate to have you as a sister. Not everyone could handle the responsibility you've taken on."

Sarah bowed her head, mumbled a thank-you and rushed out the door. Mrs. Griffin watched her leave, slightly confused by Sarah's reaction, but shrugged it off. Probably too soon to talk about it she thought to herself.