Don't leave an empty seat

I had one of those moments today that can keep a teacher going for a long time. As I was passing back papers to my students one of them, after reading the comments I had written, looked up at me with bright eyes and said, “I’m getting better, aren’t I Ms. Pullin?” I smiled back and said, “Yes, you really are.” He smiled and looked at his girlfriend with pride on his face. His plan is to join the navy in three months, and my eyes are welling up even as I type this. Oh, please God, don’t send him to war.