Aren’t kids supposed to have whatever they want?

This was the first line in Rory’s story. Rory was one of 28 students in my 3rd grade class. He was bright and small. In other words, Rory was a geek. A perfect target for kids who couldn’t answer questions as fast as he did or who were taller than he was.

In the past few months Rory had been working in his courage. He wanted to be able to stand up for himself. With milk chocolate eyes set against deep brown skin, Rory had sat in my classroom during an afternoon recess and made the announcement to me this he wanted to be brave. I looked at his physique, remnant of a child born too early and always trying to catch up physically. I had seen so many Rorys before. Eventually, they found a protector or endured until they left the school.

Rory wasnt’ leaving any time soon, and he hadn’t yet made friends. He was new to the school, and having come in the middle of the school did not help his cause. Rory’s mother told me two facts on Rory’s first day. Rory was adopted. And Rory’s adopted father was a commander who specialized in delivery of IT systems.

With a beaming smile, she said, “He is an important man.”

Then she stroked Rory‘s head as if confirming the statement. I didn’t like his mom, but I had grown attached to Rory. He was an amazing kid.

In little time, he made new friends and didn’t need a protector. He managed to prove to bullies that he was not the one to bully. He ran races, participated in a spelling bee and won, became junior volunteer of the month, and once counseled me in the dangers of eating a Twinkie every day.

I loved Rory and had to fight hard not to show it. I didn’t want any of the other students thinking I favored Rory. But I couldn’t stop the flood of pride I felt when this wiry, petite kid out did children who were twice his size.

Because of how much I adored him, the first line of his story stunned me. What could Rory want that he couldn’t have. Then I read the more.

“All I want is a year where nothing changes. I want everything to stay the same at least for a little while. “

I glanced up from my reading to look at Rory. His chin rested on his chest while he read. A favorite position and a sign of Intense concentration. I read more.

“I love Miss Angie. She’s my favorite teacher.”

I stole another look at him. I was happy he shared a fondness for me. I read more.

“But now she’s leaving and I don’t want that. Why can’t have what I want.”

My smile faded. What was Rory talking about. I wasn’t leaving. I thought I had to correct Rory quickly so I kept him at recess time to question him.

“Rory. I read your story,” I began. “And I appreciate how much you like me. I like you as well. But I’m not going anywhere. Don’t worry.”

Rory replied. “Yes you are.” Then my third grade student relayed a conversation he overheard his PTO mom having with another parent. According to Rory, I was being fired at the end of the week. For what??? Rory said, “ Something about schools budgets and last fire.”

I stared a Rory. “ do you mean last hired first fire?”

“I think so. I’m going to miss you. “