Mrs. Jenkins was already moving toward the door when Callan ran out. Jessica turned to follow since Sharon, Damon and the others were consoling Emily and Mari, but Mrs. Jenkins raised a hand. "I will handle it. Stay with the kids," she said quickly and disappeared through the door.
The room was quiet for a long second. Then a small voice whispered, "Is he coming back?"
It was Mari. Her lower lip trembled.
Andy knelt beside her. "He's just upset, doll. He didn't mean to upset anyone."
Emily was still crying, her tiny shoulders shaking as she clutched a napkin in her hand. Damon and Sharon crouched beside her, flanking her and Damon wrapped his arms around her.
"Hey," he said softly, brushing her hair back. "It's still your special day, okay? Nothing's ruined."
Emily hiccupped and buried her face into his chest.
