Beyond Broken Pencils: A School Shooting Tale of Heartbreak and Healing

by Julie C. Gilbert

Checking both directions, Mrs. Marquette executes an illegal U-turn. “Mom? You know the school’s the other way, right?” asks Megan. “Yes, but the good Dunkin Donuts is this way,” says Mrs. Marquette. Sherri and Val exchange excited looks. Then, Sherri’s expression shifts to worry. I don’t have any money. Following her line of thought, Val leans close to whisper in her ear. “Mom buys gift cards by the boatload. I’m sure she’ll buy you anything you want. You’re practically family.” The sentiment puts a lump in Sherri’s throat. Her blond hair doesn’t exactly blend in with the dark locks shared among all three Marquette women. She flashes her friend a smile, but her stomach churns with unease. There has always been a marked difference between the finances of their families, but Val works hard to make her feel comfortable. She appreciates the effort, but that doesn’t make accepting gifts any easier. Sherri can’t wait until she is old enough to get a job, then she can treat Val to breakfast for a change.