Emily was waiting beside the entrance, speaking with Mr. Lewis. When she saw them, she smiled.
“Good morning, Maya.”
“Good morning, Miss Hart.”
Renee stepped forward. “Good morning. I wanted to check that the loading area is clear.”
“It is,” Mr. Lewis assured her. “We’ve added a staff member near the service entrance, and deliveries are being directed to the rear gate.”
Dr. Bennett had also arranged for a temporary barrier to separate the pedestrian path from the bus lane. The school was reviewing longer-term improvements, including clearer markings and revised arrival procedures.
Renee appreciated that the school had acted quickly.
Maya adjusted her backpack. For a second, she looked toward the place where the delivery man had appeared the day before. Then she turned back to her mother.
“Can I get on now?”
Renee crouched to her height. “Are you sure?”
Maya nodded. “I’m sure.”
Emily stepped toward the bus door, leaving enough space for the girl to board without feeling crowded.
Maya climbed the first step, then turned around.
“Mom?”
“I’m right here.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The bus driver smiled from his seat. “Ready for another school day, Maya?”
“Ready.”
She waved through the window as the bus door folded shut.
Renee stood beside Emily while the bus pulled away. The teacher watched it until it turned out of the parking lot.
“I’m glad she came back today,” Emily said.
“So am I.”
They stood quietly for a moment.
Then Renee spoke. “I’ve been thinking about yesterday. I was so focused on making sure nobody dismissed my daughter’s fear that I didn’t recognize yours.”
Emily looked at her. “Mine?”
“You were frightened too. You had just pulled a child away from a moving bus, and then you had to stand there while I accused you of hurting her.”
Emily looked down, considering the words. “I was frightened. Mostly for Maya. But I was also afraid you would never believe me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”