Check on Emily

Curious, and always interested in a possible angle, you approach the dismayed girl who looks at you with trepidation.

"Everything ok Emily? It is Emily isn't it? I did get that right."

"Yes sir. I mean yes I'm Emily. And I'm alright sir. Thank you."

"Are you sure? You look pretty upset. And you were having trouble paying attention in class."

"Oh...I'm sorry sir. It wasn't you...I just...I didn't sleep well last night."

"Are you feeling well? There's a nurse you can see if you need to."

"No sir, I mean no, I'm feeling ok, I just didn't sleep well. Getting used to a new place I guess..."

She looks at you with pretty doe eyes, one hand raised to touch her lips. Her chin wobbles slightly and she glances aside, trying to avoid your eyes.

"Sit down Emily, talk to me," you say, putting tone of concern in your voice. "Something's obviously wrong. Tell me about it, maybe I can help."

With a sigh Emily sinks into a chair, biting her thumb and looking aside, her eyes starting to fill with unshed tears. You pull a desk a little closer to her and sit down, leaning forward and putting on your best expression of concern as you reach out and touch her arm.

"Come on Emily, I'm here to help. What's troubling you?"