First Day of School: The Aftermath

So S & I were antsy about picking up Ms Z--we were watching the clock, trying to make the hands move faster, so that 3:30 pm would come sooner.

Only it turns out that the pick-up time was *not* 3:30pm. It was 2:45-3:00 pm.

So while S, J, & I were still about two blocks from the school, I got a cell-phone call. "Hmm. I wonder who this could be?"

"Mr C, I don't know if we got our wires crossed somehow, but we at the school are very strict about pick-up times for parents. We usually wouldn't call or make a big deal, except that your daughter is upset..."

Oh, Crap! So I'm running to the school, trying to catch my breath as I round the corner. I run down the stairs, and there's the school director, giving me a tolerant look. Then out comes little Ms Z, under control, but still occasionally sobbing. She wouldn't say anything to me for a full five minutes.

Apparently, she was fine until all the other parents showed up, and began taking their children home. So, Ms Z has learned three new phrases:

• I wanted you.
• I was all alone.

Ouch.