She sat, running her fingers through her hair, and wondering if she should pick the kids up early.
Fiercely, she bit her lip until she tasted blood.

“Hi, I’m Gwen Drakes. I came to pick up my kids Ben and Alex. They’re in grades kindergarten and fifth, respectively.” The secretary buzzed the classrooms before smiling at the red eyed woman.
“Is there a problem, Mrs. Drakes?” she asked kindly, although she didn’t really care. Gwen closed her eyes.
“I just need to breathe for a minute.” The boys ran down the hall to their mother.
“You better have a good reason for this.” Alex muttered.
“I’ll tell you in the car.” Nervously, she looked around.
“Mama?” Ben asked. “Why are your eyes sad?”
“Wait ‘til we get in the car, Ben.”
“Why can’t you tell us, now?” Alex pestered. Gwen stopped walking.
“Your father is running from the police. They found out that he robbed the bank.”
“How? He excuted it perfectly…” Alex’s voice trailed off. “You turned him in!“