Your Word

Written for https://fivedotoh.com/2023/07/18/fowc-with-fandango-word/

‘Your word isn’t good enough,’ Sarah said, opposite the person, who had let her down more times that she had a coffee in the morning.

‘You have to believe me, I will do my homework for tomorrow. It’s just, Miss, you don’t understand, I have English, French, Science. Plus I have my chores at home. I promise, on the life of our rabbits, I will hand it in.’

Toby was cheeky, always telling jokes in class. She had given him two chances to hand in his homework. She couldn’t help notice the same stain on his shirt. He said his washing machine had broken; to his friends, but this was too normal for his general upkeep.

‘Okay, I’ll give you some more time; your machine still not working.’

He looked to the floor, scraping his foot against the table leg. ‘Yes Miss, I’m really sorry.’

‘Don’t worry, do you know what you could do? In lost property there are a lot of white shirts. If you need a clean one, you only have to ask.’

‘Thank you Miss, it’s just . . .’

‘It’s just what?’

‘Mum, she isn’t living with us any more, and I tried my best to get the machine working again, so my little sister wears some clean clothes, but it won’t work.’

Sarah moved around the desk, and gave him the first smile he had in months. ‘You realise I cannot keep this secret. What you have told me; I will have to report to Safeguarding? But we can help, you don’t have to do this on your own.’

‘I don’t want to be separated from Stella . . .’

‘It is better if you get the help you need. I get you are worried, but I will come with you to see Mrs Morten. We can make sure you get the help you need. You are ten and have done so well.’

‘Okay, thank you Miss.’

‘You’re welcome Toby, come on lets go to Mrs Morten.’

‘Do you give me your word, you’ll stay with me.’

‘Course I will Toby.’