“Yes! And she doesn’t want to have the Melaveh Malkah in my house because she said that my mother can’t handle so much.”

“I guess I understand that. I mean, it only makes sense that people would think your mother needs extra help. Mrs. Horowitz doesn’t really know your mother and how organized she is. So you can’t blame her.”

Rikki sighed. “Why do you always have to be so practical?”

Ruchie shrugged. “It’s a gift.”

“I was finally warming up to the idea of introducing Chaya to everyone, and the Melaveh Malkah seemed like the best way. I was even thinking of more motions for the song we’d perform.” Rikki huffed. “I’m so upset.”

“I’m sorry, Rikki Dee. I really am.” She searched the carpool lane. “Oh, there’s my mother. Do you want a ride?”

“Thanks, but I’m going to walk. I need to air out my brain.”

“You want me to come with you and help you with the boys?”

“You’re the best, Ruchie, but my mother said she’d be home by four.”

“Okay, but call me if anything changes.”

“I hope nothing will. I can’t imagine this day getting any worse!”

Ruchie chuckled. “I hope not. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Rikki was glad to see her mother’s car in the driveway and ran up the steps into the house.

“Hi, Ma,” she said breathlessly, “How’s Tatty?”

“Hi, Rikki. Baruch Hashem. Tatty is doing much better. He’ll hopefully be discharged tonight or early tomorrow morning.”

“I’m so happy!”

“Let’s make him pictures like we did for Chaya when she came home,” Ezra said.

“Good idea.”

“I also had that idea, Mommy,” Avi said. “Ezra just said it first.”

“I’m sure you did, sweetie. I know how smart you are.” A smile suddenly lit up her face. “Hey, I have a good idea too. Maybe Chaya can help you color.”

“But… she just scribbles.”

“And sometimes she tears the paper.”

Rikki felt an unexpected jab of sadness. “We could cut out letters from Chaya’s pictures and spell out the words ‘Welcome home, Tatty.’ ”

Mrs. Levy nodded her approval. “That’s a great idea. Right, boys? It seems like everyone has good ideas today.”

“So, like, once Tatty’s home, he’s okay?”

“Well, yes and no, Rikki. He’ll have to be off his feet for about a week.”

Avi tugged at his mother’s skirt. “What does off his feet mean? Does that hurt?”

“No.” Mrs. Levy ruffled his hair. “It just means he’ll have to rest a lot.”

Ezra’s brows pulled together. “How long is a week?”

“Seven days.”

Avi looked horrified. “Will Tatty still be resting on the day of Chaya’s carnival?”

“Oh, my, I totally forgot about the carnival. It’s this Sunday. I won’t be able to leave Tatty home alone.” She looked at Rikki. “Maddy will take Chaya. Maybe you can go with the boys.”

“Ma, you said I don’t have to go if I don’t want to.”

“I know, but that was before Tatty got hurt.”

“Why do the boys have to go?”

“Because!” Ezra shouted. “It’s for special families, and we’re special.”

“Why can’t Maddy watch the boys?”

“You know she can’t. She’ll be busy enough with Chaya.”

“Please take us, Rikki!” Avi said.

Rikki looked at her mother for help. “It’s not fair! I don’t want to go.”

“Please!” the boys begged.

“We’ll be your best friend!”

“Stop asking me!”

“Leave Rikki alone, boys,” Mrs. Levy said. “I told her I wouldn’t force her to go.”

“But that was before Tatty got hurt. You said so!”

“I know, but…”

“You’re so mean, Rikki.” Ezra began to cry.

“Right!” Avi shouted. “Sooo mean!”

Ezra’s crying grew louder.

Rikki held her fingers to her temple. “Okay! Okay! I’ll take you!”

Ezra’s howling instantly stopped. “Really?”

Rikki rolled her eyes.

“Thank you, Rikki,” her mother said. “I know you don’t want to go, and I appreciate it. Really, I do.”

Rikki hadn’t thought the day could have gotten any worse, but apparently, she was wrong.

*****

Miri pulled the backpack from her locker and closed the door. No one had returned the object at the end of the day, as Mrs. Klein had requested that morning. Rumors flew from class to class as to what that object was: a test, a wallet, trip money, a phone. Miri didn’t care what was missing. All she could think about was Devory’s reaction to Mrs. Klein’s announcement. She didn’t know Devory well enough to jump to any conclusions, but still, she wondered.

She slung her backpack on her shoulder and strolled down the hall, keeping an eye out for Shoshi.

“Miri,” Mrs. Klein said as Miri passed her office.

Miri’s grasp tightened on the straps of her backpack. “Yes?”

“Are you in a rush to get home?”

“Uh, n-not especially.”

“Can I have a word with you, then?”

“O-of course.” She stepped into the principal’s office and sat down on the chair offered to her. “Is everything okay, Mrs. Klein?”

Mrs. Klein clasped her hands together on the desk and leaned forward. “That’s what I wanted to ask you.”

To be continued….

(Originally featured in Mishpacha Jr., Issue 813)