A gust of icy wind swept past, and my chest tightened. Every breath felt like shards of glass in my lungs.I clutched my chest, my knuckles turning white as I looked at my mom with pleading eyes."Mom—I mean, Ms. Wright." I quickly corrected myself, my voice shaking so hard I could hardly get the words out. "My chest hurts so much. Can I please sit this one out?"The woman standing before me was my mom, Jennifer Wright, who also happened to be my homeroom teacher.At that moment, she was busy signing an excuse slip for my class president, Quiana Sullivan.Quiana's cheeks were rosy with health as she pouted. "Ms. Wright, it's that time of the month, and my back is just killing me. I don't think I can handle the run.""Of course, dear. You need to take care of yourself during your cycle."Mom offered her a warm, doting smile as she scribbled her signature on the slip. She even reached into her pocket, pulled out a piece of candy, and pressed it into Quiana's palm. "Go rest on the
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