Teaching first graders is not for the faint of heart. A teacher is responsible for more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. First grade teachers set the tone for student success in school. Beyond the academics, teachers must assure the safety of the students through fire drills and tornado drills. And yes, intruder drills. Katharine, "Kat," Gilmore feels up to the challenge despite the demands of raising a teenage son, looking out for her aging mother, and putting on a smile for her workaholic husband.
Early in the school year, Katharine notices the child often wears the same clothes to school two or three days in the same week. Ellie's hair is sometimes unkempt. But as the school year progresses, Katharine's concern grows for the six-year-old Ellie caught in a shared custody situation. Though the child is bright and engaging, Katharine knows something is not quite right in Ellie's world. Ellie's father shows up for conferences. The mother appears less involved. School protocol requires the teacher to collect evidence before they can act. Even then, Mrs. Gilmore knows the wheels of the educational system work at the speed of a snail.
Katharine's husband is dealing with downsizing at his work. Their teenaged son failed a class he needed to graduate from high school. Katharine's widowed mother is showing early signs of dementia but rises above those frailties of the mind to offer clear advice to Katharine, Katharine's older sister, and Katharine's younger brother. Mimi, as she's known in the family likes to work jigsaw puzzles. Her advice is always to" find the corners and straight edges first and everything else will fall into place."
Katharine does her best to not "bring her work" home, but it's hard. Her family recognizes her concern. Her mother prays with her for the child. When an intruder breeches the school, Katharine and her students are in the hallway, scattered between the restrooms, water fountains, and classrooms, Katharine faces her fears and does what she can to protect her students, but has no answer to the question, "Where's Ellie?"
