③④

You assume too fast____________________

"Yes, I'm her homeroom teacher," Xiao's voice soften as she clasps her hands over her chest, her white-knuckled fingers pressing against the fabric of her shirt. There's a flicker of curiosity in her eyes, as if she's already trying to guess what I am about to ask next.

I couldn't just blurt out, "Where's Carrie now?" or something even more accusatory like, "Why is she so self-centered and stupid?" That would make me sound like a stalker, or worse, a tutor who had fallen for his teenage client. Instead, I opted for a softer approach, one that wouldn't make me seem like a creep. 

"How's Carrie doing lately?"

"Carrie? Ah yes, of course..." Her face twists into a grimace. "Well, considering she's still in the reconciliation program and not exactly stable... tell me If I'm right, has she been absent in your classes too?"

I nod.