The conference room was packed.
Malcolm could tell that only a few people had missed the meeting.
Everyone was anxious to know what was going on- and he was just as anxious to discuss it with them.
He walked onto the stage with his usual entourage: the twins. All business.
Amy couldn't help but admire him. Behind closed doors, he was goofy and warm, but when he worked, he carried a completely different energy.
"Hello everyone, and thank you for coming to this urgent meeting," Malcolm said once he reached the table and turned his mic on.
"Without further ado, I have a few concerns
that we need to discuss as a collective."
He scanned the room before continuing.
"Number one: the shelter might have to shut down. So if anyone has ideas on how to help relocate the tenants, you're welcome to share them."
The room erupted into murmurs. Several hands shot up. Malcolm gestured for a microphone to be passed around.
Only to hear the question, "Why?"
That's when he realized he'd skipped a crucial part of the meeting- an introduction.
Malcolm blushed awkwardly. "I'm sorry about the confusion."
Elijah gently took Malcolm's notebook from his trembling hands and cleared his throat, ready to rip off the bandage.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Our establishment is currently under a lawsuit, and with that comes government scrutiny. Here at Dream Art School, there are many things we do that go against regulations."
April took the notebook from Elijah.
"Our areas that need immediate attention: the elderly tenants living here. The shelter has officially been closed for over seven years, so the government doesn't actually know that you're still here."
She continued, "Number two: for every student enrolled, there has never been a requirement for health insurance, because many of us couldn't afford it. As explained in your joining instructions, that's against the law, and we would have to let you go."
She swallowed hard.
"Number three: this is for the teachers and workers. Many of you don't have teaching licenses or certificates to support your skills and experience. We would have to let you go as well."
April looked at the room, at the sad faces staring back at her. She couldn't continue. She handed the notebook back to Elijah before standing and rushing to the bathroom.
Amy was confused.
The voices around her blended together, meaningless. Everyone was disappointed. Heartbroken.
She raised her hand, wanting clarification-when Winnie suddenly showed her a message on her phone.
It was from Mark their cameraman and photographer.
The Elephant Media now knows where Amy is. And heard that they sued her new workplace.
Hide yourself wherever you are, or you're next.
Amy froze. It was something she had always feared, something she knew could happen someday.
"I think this lawsuit is because of you," Winnie said, terrified at the length the Elephant Media was taking to keep a pet.
Amy didn't want to believe it. She felt lightheaded. Her throat went dry, her breathing shallow and uneven. The room began to spin.
Suddenly, she wasn't in the conference room anymore.
She was seven years old, standing in front of a broken expensive glass.
Everyone was blaming her. Pointing fingers. Whispering behind her back. Pushing her until she was backed against a wall- forcing her to explain why she had gone to the cupboard when she knew she couldn't reach it.
Did it matter that she was thirsty?
That everyone had been too busy to help her?
She felt soft hands steady her before she heard his voice. A hum, more than words. It took a moment before she could see his face.
Malcolm.
"I… I'm sor- I-I'm so sorry," Amy whispered hoarsely, surprising him. Amy could talk?
"It's all m-my fault. I should've never come here. I should have stayed with them."
"Breathe, Amy. Breathe," Malcolm said, refusing to cry himself.
He had never seen someone look so small, so utterly hopeless. It broke him.
Amy fainted in his arms.