“Madison,” her mom says, “will you please stand up straight? And…” She pats her own stomach. Maddie stops smiling. She pulls her shoulders back and sucks in her stomach. Mrs. Thornton gives her a little nod before turning to help Ms. Sitton. Maddie doesn’t move. I’m not even sure she’s breathing. It’s like all the excitement and happiness drained out of her in that moment of good posture. Then she catches me watching and gives me her death stare.
