Monday's Not Coming

Every Monday, Claudia still hoped that Monday would walk through the classroom doors. She waited after class to speak to Mrs. Valente. She asked if Mrs. Valente was still mad at her, but Mrs. Valente was only disappointed and worried that Claudia would fight the other girls like that, jeopardizing both her health and her ability to graduate on time.

Claudia asked Mrs. Valente for a favor, as she was the only adult who would listen to her. She wanted Mrs. Valente to go to Monday’s house. She knew something was wrong and wanted to make sure Monday was okay, even if Monday was mad at Claudia. Mrs. Valente agreed to go at some point, warning Claudia to prepare for what she would feel if Monday were okay but didn’t want to be Claudia’s friend anymore.

Claudia calls Ms. Orman, the former school nurse. Her daughter answers, angry that the school would give out her phone number. When Claudia mentions Monday’s name, the daughter tells Claudia that her mother’s Alzheimer’s is bad. She finally agrees to let Claudia speak to Ms. Orman but says she’ll hang up if things get out of hand. 

When Ms. Orman gets on the phone, she doesn’t recognize Claudia’s name.