He stared fixedly at the Principal as the imposing man began to speak,
“Theodore, your parents were in an automobile accident this morning.
I’m sorry to have to be the one to have to tell you this, but your parents are dead.
Their car was hit by another car at an intersection about eight-thirty this morning.
I want you to know that they didn’t suffer or feel any pain; they were killed instantly.
Your next-door neighbor is coming to take you home with her.
I was just on the phone with her and she said she’d be here in a few minutes.
You’ll be staying with her for the next few days.
Your neighbor tells me that you haven’t any relatives nearby, is that true?”
Theodore nodded numbly in assent.
He was in shock.
