Chapter 341: Only Want Archie and Benny

Pippa heard Estella's sobs as soon as she entered the classroom. She quickly looked over and saw the little girl crying.

"What's wrong, Essie?" Pippa hurried to her side.

Estella continued crying silently.

Yoel, standing nearby, explained, "Ms. Ward, after class, I wanted to invite Estella to play, but I think I scared her." Another child interjected, "Estella hit Yoel first, but then she started crying."

Pippa listened, understanding dawning. As Estella's teacher, she knew the girl's disposition and had noticed her gloomy mood for the past two days. Yoel's account seemed accurate: he'd scared Estella, prompting her to hit him.

Concerned, Pippa looked at Yoel. "Where did Estella hit you? Are you okay?"

The boy showed her his hand. "She hit the back of my hand. It doesn't hurt anymore."

Reassured that Yoel was fine, Pippa apologized on Estella's behalf. Yoel nodded, then looked at Estella with concern. "But she's still crying."

Pippa, equally worried, lifted Estella. "I'll take Essie out for a while. Another teacher will watch your class. Be good." The children agreed, and Pippa left with Estella.

"Essie, I'll call your daddy," Pippa said. Estella vigorously shook her head.

Pippa hesitated. Going against Estella's wishes might worsen her distress, but not contacting Mr. Farwell left Pippa unsure how to help. "Tell me why you're crying," she said patiently.

Estella whispered, "Archie, Benny"

Pippa understood. Archie and Benny hadn't been to school for two days.

Relieved to know the reason, Pippa explained, "Benny's been unwell and excused from school. He'll return when he's better." Estella's sobs subsided to sniffles, but distrust lingered in her tearful eyes.

Seeing Estella's reaction, Pippa stroked her head soothingly. "You like Archie and Benny, but the other children are nice too. Since they're absent, you can get to know them better."

Estella shook her head. "I don't want to. I only want Archie and Benny! Ms. Ward says Benny is sick"

Unsure whether to believe it, Estella, trying to control her tears, ran back to the classroom for a pen and paper. Pippa watched in puzzlement.

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