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“You look a little better. I came to check on you and to see if you could use a parent volunteer today.”

“Would that volunteer be you?”

“Yes.”

“Did Rachel call you?”

Wilda walked up to him. “No, actually, I called her to ask if she thought it would be a good idea.”

“Oh.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m still a little…fuzzy. Your help would be very welcome.”

“Good. What can I do?”

Milo looked at the clock above the whiteboard. “You can brace yourself. The kids will be here any minute now.”

They heard them coming before the door opened, and Evelyn came through, followed by thirteen students. Milo gave them a few moments to hang up their jackets and backpacks and make their way to their desks. When all but two of them were seated, he raised his hand. Everyone quieted down except for the two boys talking in front of the cubbies.

Milo cleared his throat. “Pete. Henry.”

The boys turned, saw everyone was seated, and ran to their desks.

Milo lowered his hand. “Good morning, class.”

“Good morning, Mr. Milo.”

“It looks like most of us are back.” He glanced at Wilda. “We have a helper in class today. This is Miss Wilda. She’s Caleb’s mom. You will give her the same respect you give me, Miss Evelyn, and Miss Rachel.”

Henry raised his hand.

“Yes, Henry.”

“Is the fireman coming today?”

“Yes. He’ll be here after morning recess. But until then, let's get some work done.” He looked around the classroom. “Who wants to lead the Pledge today?”

Emma raised her hand. “Me and Caleb do.”

“Okay. Come on up.”

Emma took Caleb’s hand, and they went to the front of the class, then placed their hands over their hearts. As the class began to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, Milo moved over next to Wilda. Caleb didn’t say the words, but he stood next to Emma and kept his eyes on the flag.

When they finished, Milo leaned close to Wilda. “Every day is another tiny step or two.”

She nodded. “I’m getting my son back.”

Milo kept the kids busy until recess, then they all excitedly went outside, anxious to see the fireman when they came back in.

Wilda stood by Milo as they watched the kids. “So, a fireman, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s my brother, actually. He’s not a full-time fireman. He’s a volunteer. But he comes every year to talk to the kids, and they always love it. You’ve probably seen him at Rocco’s.”

“The buff one?”

“Um…yeah. That would be Abe.”

She shrugged. “It’s hard not to notice.”

“Hmm.”