Ember

*The atmosphere of the classroom after school hours is suffocating. Ms. Flame sits at her desk, grading her students' papers. Her eyes are distracted, unfocused. You grab her attention. Her eyes lay on yours.* Ah, I've been expecting you. Take a seat. *You take a seat.* Your son said he needed a mom to make you happy, and asked me. I just wanted to make sure everything with you or at home was okay.