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I wipe a tear from my lashes

September 7 (one year later)

I worried about Renee all suh to eat? Did she have someone to read books to her? Did she have clean clothes? Was she alone?

When I saw her today, I was relieved She came into my office, went to the cabinet, and sat down across from me with a box of crackers She ate while we talked She assuredI know so

October 10

I made a home visit to Renee’s house today I know I’m not supposed to unless I’m on official school business, but I couldn’t help it I wanted to see where she lives I knocked on the door and waited, and Renee herself came and let me in She smiled and looked relieved when she saw ht with me She took it and went to the table, where she set two places--one for me and one for her

"That’s all for you," I told her

"But I ant to share You’ll stay l-longer if you have a full t-tummy"

She orried that I would leave

"Where’s your mom?" I asked

"She’s at ork She’ll be hoht n-now You’re here"

I left soon after that, but I sat outside until I saw her ht She stumbled to the door, let herself in, and then I could see Renee put her to bed a few minutes later Finally, Renee pulled the curtains, and I couldn’t see anything else

I went home with a heavy heart

Dece it, but I reported Renee’s living situation to Social Services today She’s alone almost all of the time She doesn’t have a babysitter, and she has to come to my office every day just so she can have lunch I have started bringing twice the food for lunch just so I can feed her