Maya

I should have known today was going to be a bad day when one of my kids’ parents nearly brought me to tears after ripping into me during a meeting to discuss their child failing my class. Then two of my students got caught skipping school during my period.

All it takes is a certain number calling me to push me straight over the edge and directly into meltdown territory. I consider ignoring my sister’s call, but my guilty conscience doesn’t let me.

I’m great at establishing boundaries for everyone in my lifebutmy sister. It’s a massive issue she exploits, and the reason I spent a large chunk of the inheritance Grandpa Bert left me trying to save her from self-destructing.

The phone vibrates in my hand.

Just get it over with.

I lock the door to my classroom before answering the phone. “Hello.”

“Maya!” My sister’s overly excited…