“What are you doing?” Katie asked the student sitting on the floor, ear pressed to the classroom door, taking notes.
“I was three feet from the door when the bell rang, and Miss Finegan slammed it and locked it, Miss McGee.”
“Are you wearing a boot?”
“I have a stress fracture. My previous class is on the other side of the school.”
“Does Miss Finnegan know this?”
“She says it’s no excuse for lateness.”
“Let me help you up,” said Katie who held her breath and knocked on the door of her most influential teacher.