Page 24 of Further To Fall

I sucked in a breath as I saw a ring of bruises circling his small wrist. I instantly felt nauseous and out of my depth. I had been trained in how to recognize the signs of abuse, but faced with the very real possibility that the sweet child in front of me had been harmed, I was frozen.

Michael must have seen the look on my face because he followed my line of vision to his wrist and quickly dropped his hand. He let out a forced-sounding laugh. “You’re worried about this? I tripped, and my dad caught me before I could hit the ground. But I guess I was going fast because I got this bruise.”

I wasn’t convinced, but I also knew that this was a plausible excuse any social worker would have to accept on a first offense. I swallowed the lump in my throat and pushed on. “Okay, Michael. Just don’t forget that if thereissomething going on at home or at school, you can always come to me.”

Michael rose quickly and headed to the door, clearly eager to end this conversation. “Yeah. Thanks, Miss McCarthy.”

After I had watched Michael leave, I buried my head in my hands, fighting the burning desire to cry.

“Carter, are you all right?”

I lifted my head and saw Kyle standing in my doorway. I ushered him in, and he closed the door behind him. “Not really. I could actually use your advice.”

Kyle sat down in the same chair that Michael had just vacated. “Of course, tell me what’s going on.”

I walked Kyle through everything I had noticed about Michael, including our most recent conversation and his bruised wrist, then sat back in my seat.

Kyle rubbed a hand over his jaw. “This is a tough one, Carter. Is this the first time you’ve seen any physical evidence of abuse?”

I felt sick. “Yes, but he’s been withdrawn for weeks now. Even before Christmas break. But I just thought he was tired from the end-of-the-year craziness. Shouldn’t I report it, just to be safe?”

Kyle grimaced. “You could report it, but that might end up backfiring on you. You have no concrete evidence, and Michael denied that anything is going on. Most likely, Child Protective Services would think you’re a new teacher who’s overreacting. And if you report anything in the future, there will be automatic doubt. It sucks, but social workers are overworked, underpaid, and dealing with the worst of the worst. They aren’t going to jump on a report of a bruised wrist. But keep an eye on things. If you see any other physical signs of abuse, or if Michael tells you anything, then call CPS and file a report.”

My shoulders slumped. Kyle leaned in and rubbed my shoulder. “It could be just what he said: he tripped, and his dad caught him. Or it could be some other kids picking on him, and he’s embarrassed. I’ll keep an eye out for him around school, okay?”

“Yeah, that’d be great. Thank you, Kyle, for listening and for your advice. I really appreciate it.”

Kyle rose. “Anytime, Carter. I was actually stopping by to see if you were going to the teachers’ lounge for lunch.”

“You go ahead, I’ll be there in just a few.”

“Sounds good. See you in a few.” Kyle sent me a smile as he left.

Walking around to my desk, I pulled my phone out of my top drawer. I was grateful for Kyle’s kindness and words of wisdom, but there was only one person I really wanted to talk this through with.

Me:Hey, you busy tonight? I could use a listening ear. I’ll cook you dinner as repayment.

Almost immediately, three little dots appeared that told me he was typing a response.

Austin:Always happy to listen to you…and eat your food. ;-) Everything ok?

Me:Thanks A, I really appreciate it. I’m not sure if everything is okay, but it’s not about me. I’ll explain everything when I see you.

My phone buzzed as I bent down to grab my lunch.

Austin:I’ll be at your place by 5.

Me:See you then.

I trudgedup the steps to my apartment, feeling fatigue with every step. The rest of the day had moved at a snail’s pace while my mind went a million miles a minute, running through every possible path I could go down for Michael. I had come up with no answers, only more questions and doubts. When I reached the top of the stairs, I saw Austin leaning against the railing. “Hey there, Firecracker.”

My bottom lip began to tremble. “Hey,” I replied.

He opened his arms to me for a hug, and I immediately went to him. As soon as I felt his arms surround me, I burst into tears.

“Hey, hey now. What is this all about?” Austin asked as he smoothed my hair down my back.

To my horror, I just started crying harder. Austin said nothing, he just kept one arm around me and used the other to gently pull my keys from my hand and unlock my front door.

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