Below is what Josie wrote in her notebook.
Dec. 15
A very sad day. A school bus was hit by a truck. Many kids were badly hurt. A little boy lost his life. His mom was the kids’ teacher. We couldn’t bring her back, either.
Dec. 22
Lonnie said she’ll wear all white to the Christmas party. I said she’s lost her mind. We wear white all the time. Who would still want to wear white on Christmas Eve?
Dec. 25
People kept coming in and asked for our help because they got hurt. Why do people always do stupid things on holidays?
Dec. 31
The police brought in a young man who broke his leg when he was trying to enter a house. When taking care of his leg, I asked him why he wanted to enter another person’s house, and he said he just wanted to borrow a pot. But Officer Clarke said he’s been borrowing many pots from strangers’ houses.
Jan. 3
I knew my lunchtime was over when Howell came to my table. He’s a nice guy. But how many heads he’s cut open is the last thing I’d want to know when I’m eating beef sandwiches.