What Does a Mother Tell School When Her Daughter’s Been Out All Night With Her Drug Dealer?

Editor’s Note: Based on real events. Names have been changed for privacy. This essay deals with a suicide attempt by a teen.

I suppose I should call in sick for her. She will be expelled if I don’t. I pick up the phone and start to dial, then stop and heat up some water. I’ll have a cup of coffee and then think about it more clearly, from a caffeinated state.

I hate the thought that I would be lying to her school. I’m not all that cozy with the idea of lying, period. I was that horrible gi...