CHAPTER 2: THE MAN WHO WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
Even Mrs. Wilson looked confused.
A few minutes later, the principal appeared at the door.
His face was unusually pale.
"Mrs. Wilson..."
His voice sounded nervous.
"Could you come here for a second?"
Before she could move, a tall man stepped into the classroom behind him.
Every student immediately fell silent.
The man wore a decorated military uniform covered with medals.
The room suddenly felt much smaller.
Mrs. Wilson stared.
The principal cleared his throat.
"Students, this is General James Parker."
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Then the general smiled.
Not at the teacher.
Not at the principal.
At Emily.
"There you are, kiddo."
Emily gasped.
"Dad!"
She ran across the room.
The general knelt and wrapped his arms around her.
The classroom looked as though someone had pressed pause on reality.
Several students literally had their mouths open.
Mrs. Wilson's stomach dropped.
Emily hadn't been lying.
Not even a little.
After a long hug, General Parker stood up and looked around the room.
"Emily told me she had a presentation today."
The little girl nodded.
"I did."
"How'd it go?"
Emily looked down.
The room became awkwardly quiet.
Then she whispered,
"Nobody believed me."
The general's smile faded.
Slowly.
May you like
He looked toward the teacher.
And suddenly Mrs. Wilson wished she were anywhere else.
