Halle and Eli sat in the garden, waiting for Lachlan to pick them up. Eli was playing games on his smartphone. Halle was chatting her brother up instead. Derek had sent her a picture of the kids she taught at the elementary school. They wrote tiny notes of appreciation and Derek snapped each one, promising her he would mail them to her as soon as he could.
“You look happy, Halle. You are smiling.” Eli looked up from his phone.
“Yes. I am texting my brother. He sent me nice pictures, wanna see?” Halle slid the phone to him.
“Sure. I didn’t know you had a brother. I would like a brother or two. What are these notes?”
“My former pupils. They miss me.” She replies shortly.
“Yes. I love these notes. They must really miss you. You are sweet, with beautiful hair and a pretty face.”
“Thank y
