Free Amanda Bright @ Home by Danielle Crittenden

violence—”
    “Then how do you explain these drawings? And it’s not just the drawings.” Ms. Burley waved her hand in exasperation. “There is not an object in this room that Ben has not at some point turned into a weapon. Last week it was the blackboard eraser.”
    “I don’t know. I can’t explain it.” Amanda picked up one of the drawings to study it again. “We certainly don’t encourage violence at home.”
    And this was true. She and Bob did not allow what they called “war toys” in the house. The only exception to this rule was a plastic figure of General George Patton in his cavalry uniform, equipped with two miniature pearl-handled revolvers, a gift from Bob’s father last Christmas. Amanda had immediately reproached her father-in-law for the present. “You know how we feel about guns,” she had said. “We don’t want Ben growing up to be a criminal.” “Or a war hero,” the old man had muttered under his breath. Ben, who understood at once that this was exactly the kind of toy his parents would never permit him to own, ripped it from its cardboard wrapping and kept constant watch over it, lest it “vanish” like the last Christmas present his grandparents had bought for him: a commando costume complete with a machine gun that lit up and made electronic zapping noises when fired.
    “I’m not suggesting you encourage violence,” Ms. Burley was saying. “What I’m wondering is, are there problems at home?”
    “No—”
    “Any changes recently? Upheavals?”
    “Look, I really don’t think Ben’s behavior is that unusual—for a boy, I mean. Perhaps it’s because his grandfather is a veteran; Ben likes to hear him tell stories, and maybe these pictures just reflect a—a
historical interest
in war, like a lot of boys have …”
    “We needn’t revert to sexist stereotypes to see that Ben has a problem. The other boys don’t engage in this obsession.”
    “Ben’s best friend—Austen Saunders—likes that sort of play. They’re always shooting at each other! I put a stop to it, of course—”
    “It would be improper for me to comment on other children in the class,” the teacher replied stiffly. “But let me put it this way: I haven’t had to call in any other mother to discuss a similar problem. Other mothers, however, have called in to complain about Ben.”
    Amanda suddenly felt her gut shrivel up. Oh, why had Bob not been able to join her at this meeting?
    “I want this addressed before we promote Ben to kindergarten,” Ms. Burley continued ominously. “It would be very tough on him if he couldn’t be promoted with his friends.”
    “I see.” Amanda searched her brain for another line of defense but couldn’t find one. “What do you suggest?”
    “Well, before school ends for the summer, I’d like him to attend a few sessions with our guidance counselor. With your permission, of course. Dr. Koenig is excellent at dealing with these kinds of problems.”
    “I think—”
    They were interrupted by the yells and laughter of the class returning from recess. Ben saw his mother from the hall. With a whoop of excitement, he yelled, “Attack!” dived into the room, and rolled across the floor to her feet.
    “—that would be fine,” Amanda finished.
    Ms. Burley pursed her lips. “Good. I’ll tell Dr. Koenig. She will call you.”
    Amanda extricated herself from Ben’s grasp and led him to his desk.
    “I’ll see you later,” she whispered, ruffling his hair.
    There was no time to get home before Sophie’s dismissal so Amanda lingered in the lobby, brooding over this latest condemnation of Ben.
    The front doors squeaked open and slammed. Their echo carried down the empty corridor. Only gradually did Amanda become aware of another presence. The “at-home dad” was hovering near her. His usually squalling toddler was fast asleep in his stroller.
    “Hey, Amanda.”
    “Hey, Alan.”
    “What’s up? You seem—kind of upset.”
    “Is it that