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unexpected reaction.  He’d left Andy, Gracie and Esmerelda whispering  together.  Nothing else  mattered to him at the moment.  He wished he could go back in time, take back the simple words that had stolen the smile from her face and the light from her eyes.  But he had a feeling that option was not possible.  He had seen that bleak look, and it had come from somewhere deep inside.
    His heart was hammering as he reached the top step, not from exertion, but from anxiety.  He stood for a moment outside her door, listening.  There was no sound, no hint that Daisy was inside, even though he was sure she was.  Did he barge in, ask his questions, try to make things right? 
    With hurricane force, the feelings that had been building for her in the past weeks swept over him.  He’d been pushing those emotions away, knowing she wouldn’t welcome them.  And who wouldn’t love her, this flash of light and love and energy that brought joy into every room she entered? 
    Yet his words and plans had squashed that enthusiasm. He had caused her such pain, and he had no clue as to why.
    While every fiber of his being wanted to fix it, to take her in his arms and promise her all would be ok, he knew it would be a mistake.  Her reaction had been  so different from anything any of them had seen. His instincts told him it was better if she had the time to calm and settle herself. 
    So he turned away, even though he didn’t want to.  In the short time he had known her, he knew she was a teacher , through and through.  By the time the students returned, it would be business as usual.  For her, maybe.  But not for him.  There was pain in his chest at the thought of hurting her,  and the frustration of not knowing why.
    By the time he arrived back at his office, he could hear the student s downstairs lining up. The lunch break was over.
    Over his confused thoughts, he heard the sound of a ringing phone, then Esmerelda’s cheerful voice, “Good afternoon, New Horizons School.  This is Miss Esmerelda.  How can I help you today?”
    Seconds later, the buzzer on his desk made him focus.
    Esmerelda’s voice came over the desk intercom. “It’s Mr. Hugh Highfield, from the board of corporations that keeps us floating.  He’s calling to check up on Daisy.  Want to take it?”
    “Sure”, he said. “Thanks.”
    Hugh Highfield had a strong low voice tha t commanded attention.  Though Ben had never met him in person, it was clear from the strength of his voice that he was a man who was a leader, a man who got things done.
    “Wilson!” exclaimed the rumbling voice. “I’m just checking in to see how our young Daisy is settling in at New Horizons.  What’s your opinion so far?”
    Ben grimaced, thinking of her stricken face only a short time ago.  But the rest of the time, he would have only one answer, so he decided to go with it.
    “She’s an amazing young woman, Mr. Highfield.  Creative and dedicated.  I can’t even begin to explain the great energy she’s brought to the school .”  And to me , his brain added, though he kept those thoughts to himself.
    “Good, good,” barked Hugh Highfield, “I’m delighted to hear that.  I know her strengths and talents are spectacular, but it IS the holiday season, and that can be tough on her, as I’m sure you know.”
    Know?  What was there to know?  He had seen firsthand how she had shut down in the meeting about the pageant.  Was it about Christmas?  He needed to know. He wanted to know.
    His voice was even and calm, though his feelings inside were far different.  His stomach churned like a gristmill, he was gripping the phone as if it was likely to fly across the room if he didn’t hold on.
    “Maybe you can help me here, Mr. Highfield.  What is it about the holiday season?  I have to admit I know nothing of Daisy’s past, and she’s pretty closemouthed about it.  Though I have noticed about Christmas.  Not that I’m prying..”
    “No, of