Caught Out

Ten year old Danny gets caught out.

“What are you doing out of school, Danny?”

The ten-year-old spun around to see his next-door neighbour standing behind him.

“Oh, hello, Mrs Grant. Er, I’m meeting my mum to take me to my dentist appointment.”

“That’s strange, I was just having coffee with her, she never said she was taking you out of school, she said she was working from home today.”

“She must have forgotten to mention it. She’ll be here soon.”

“Why are you here in the Mall, is your dentist here?” Mrs Grant frowned, “how did you get here from school, it’s quite far from St Barnaby’s. Did you walk,” she asked.

“Er, yes, I walked, it’s not that far, honestly.”

“Mm, I’m surprised the teachers let you leave before your mother came to get you.”

“I had a note from Mum to say I had permission to leave school for my appointment,” Danny squirmed, his face reddened.

“I think I’ll wait here with you until your mother gets here, just to make sure you’re ok.”

“There’s no need to do that, Mrs Grant, I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”

Mrs Grant checked her watch, “what time is your appointment, Danny?”

“What time is it now, Mrs Grant?”

“Eleven thirty.”

“Oh, I’m early, it’s not till twelve.” Danny swallowed, “you can go Mrs Grant, I’m sure you’re busy. I’ll just wait here for Mum.”

“I tell you what, I’ll save your poor mother from having to take time off her work. I’ll take you to the dentist myself” Danny’s neighbour took out her phone to call.

“Mrs Grant.”

“Yes Danny?”

“Can you please not say anything to Mum about seeing me here?”

The old lady tried not to smile before she nodded and said quietly, “You won’t get away with this again, Danny.”

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