Why I’m Afraid

I’m afraid my assistant’s first day back as a married woman will have her pitying me, her older single co-teacher.

I’m afraid of being unable to muster genuine warmth for the welcome back she deserves, and giving her a tight-lipped, saccharine smile instead.

I’m afraid she’ll float in tomorrow morning and gush, “Thank you so much for coming to my wedding! It was so… special of you!” in that voice reserved for small children and the elderly.

I’m afraid she’ll jump when her phone buzzes in her pocket, scoop it out, and see her husband’s name (YANKY!!!), and promptly forget that I’d been giving her important instructions just a moment before.