Chapter 4
Mrs. Carmody opened the door to the office as all the teachers looked up from their work. "Why what happened here?" Ms. Emmens asked piling tissues from the box.
"Oh nothing, Russell is just sad. Reading Frog and Toad brought memories of his mother back."
Russell was sat into a seat and given a new tissue.
"I heard what happened on the news Russell, I'm so sorry for you loss."
Russell didn't know what to say to that. Mrs. Carmody brought him he so he could cry without disturbing others, not to send him home. He'd just cry for a few minutes and return to class. "Would you like some nice cold water Russell?" Ms. Emmens asked Russell who nodded.
Russell drank the water and felt a little better but still felt sad and was exhausted from crying. His eyes were probably red as he still sniffled.
"I'll have Brandon take your stuff down to you." Mrs. Carmody said getting up.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm going to give Mr. Fredricksen a call and have him take you home."
"No!" Russell wailed. "I want to stay here and show him that I can be strong!"
The two teachers understood as they looked at each other.
"Russell, I think it's best if you go home. It was brave of you to try and come to school but you should really go home. Nobody wants to you upset all day. I'm sure Mr. Fredricksen is lonely at home and would love your company."
Russell sighed. He did want Carl and wanted to be home rather than be in school.
"Okay."