Sally lowered her head and looked down at her feet. She was standing before Mrs. Tan, her from teacher who had called her in for a talk. Sally tried to avoid eye contact with the teacher whom she admired yet feared. Mrs. Tan's presents questions hung heavily in the air; she wanted to know why Sally grades had taken a sudden plunge recently. Her tone, though firm had a tinge of concern. Sally could sense it and for a moment, she wanted to unlock the secret in her heart. Thinking for a while, she hesitated before hammering out in a hesitant voice, "You won't tell others, would you?" Her pleading tone drew feeling of sympathy from Mrs. Tan who promised to keep all information shared as confidential.
Sally Struggled for a while and looking up with the tears in her eyes said, "I found out that I was an adopted child salt Sunday". She continued to share how the the truth was known when her parents told her that her natural parents wanted to see her. Confident with such a peace of news, Sally had been dumbfounded . to a nine-year-old, the abrupt disclosure of a secret kept successfully for nine years had thrown her in to state of confusion. Her adopted parents had never failed to shower all their love on her but apparently Sally's parents wanted to take her back. They had engaged a lawyer to see to legal procedures. It was these uncertain feelings of her future that cause Sally to lose her concentration on school.
Even she related her story, Sally pulled at her tie unconsciously. She wanted for Mrs. Tan's response. Much to her relief, Mrs. Tan nodded, and said she understood her. Sally was then permitted to leave the room.
The next day, Sally was asked by Mrs. Tan to carry a few books to the staff room after the session. Feeling much honored to be given the task, sally carried the books and followed Mrs, Tan out the room. Somehow, Sally felt uplifted and cheerful that morning. Perhaps, she was comforted that Mrs. Tan knew her background and had not made it known to anyone else. As they turned around the corner, they meet Mrs. Sim, her musical teacher. Mrs. Sim saw sally and stopping asked her in casual voice, "So did you managed to see your natural parents?" What a question! It seemed to shoot an arrow through Sally's heart. She was shocked. and dropped the books unconsciously to the ground. Tears of anger welled up in her eyes, as she felt betrayed by Mrs. Tan. Her confidence in Mrs. Tan was suddenly shattered and sense of disillusionment set in.
"Let me explain, Sally", Mrs. Tan started, looking at Sally ans sensing the uncomfortable and tense moment.
"But you promised!" she cried. "I will never trust you again." With tears, Sally ran back to the classroom.
