Chapter28: Dashed dreams.....? pt 1

Shock hung heavy in the air as Susan's frantic words echoed. Adrian, his face an unreadable mask, snapped his head towards Mr. Atkinson. "Explain yourself," he demanded, his voice tight. Mr. Atkinson, flustered, stammered, "I wasn't informed, Mr. Cagliari. Apparently, Mrs. Cagliari is unwell." His gaze darted towards the anxious Susan. "I tried to tell you," Susan blurted, "but Mrs. Ashleigh wouldn't let me raise an alarm." A mix of surprise and concern flickered across Adrian's face. He turned to Mr. Turner, his voice clipped. "Get a doctor. Now." Mr. Turner scurried off, dialing on his phone. Unable to stay still, Adrian paced the hallway, his eyes flitting nervously between the stairs leading to Ashleigh's room and Mr. Atkinson. "How long has this been going on?" he finally managed, his voice strained. Mr. Atkinson cleared his throat. "To my knowledge, since the beginning of the week. Mrs. Cagliari's been studying excessively for her exams, barely eating or sleeping." "She's crazy,"