Chapter Fifty-Three
Nicola
Mr Neal has mentioned he’ll be taking Joel away for a holiday. ‘Only for four days,’ he told me. But it gives me a break, too.
Mum and Dad want to visit Norfolk for a change of scenery, even if it will be a bit chilly.
As I arrive at preschool, the children are streaming out of the doors. I spot Joel holding the head teacher’s hand. She approaches me with a serious expression.
‘Could Mr Neal come in at some point?’ she asks.
Joel hands me the painting he has just made.
‘I can ask him. I know they’re going away for a few days.’
‘Can you and I have a chat now? I’ll find someone to entertain Joel.’
A wave of anxiety washes over me. What has Joel done? I follow her into a classroom. A pretty young woman takes Joel, and I tell him, ‘I’ll be back soon.’
I realise I’m still holding his painting tightly.
We enter a small office, and the headteacher gestures for me to sit opposite her at the desk.
‘I’m Mrs Wright,’ she says.
I nod nervously.
‘We’re concerned about Joel.’
‘Oh?’ I say, confused.
‘Joel isn’t acting the way I would expect a child to behave after losing their mother.’
I struggle to find the right words. ‘Well… he does miss her.’
Mrs Wright nods.
‘I’d expect him to be sad, lost, even, but he seems very happy. It’s as though nothing has changed for him.’
I can’t disagree. Joel does seem happy.
‘I can speak to Mr Neal,’ I say.
‘I’d appreciate that. I don’t want to risk a sudden breakdown in the classroom.’
Her expression softens with concern. ‘I think Joel needs professional support. Could you ask his father to meet with me? After the holiday is fine, if he can’t manage it before.’
‘Yes, of course.’
Armed with the painting and Joel’s backpack, I collect him from the classroom.
He’s smiling, as always.