One of the things I love about Max's school is that the classes are small. And they travel together as a class for two to three years. And when a class really meshes, it makes for some pretty tight-knit friends. Max is with a wonderful group of kids, each special in his or her own ways...as all kids are.

But now they are missing one of their friends. It's still hard to comprehend. Seriously, how does one comprehend the sudden death of a sweet little nine-year-old girl?

Max is not a big talker, so I didn't expect a long drawn out answer when I asked him how school was today. I wasn't surprised when he simply said, "It was different. And really sad." I was surprised by the tears that welled up in his eyes though. And was even more surprised when he said he wanted to go to the viewing. Surprised, and relieved. I have no idea where he got his little stoic streak, but I'm glad to see it crumble a bit. Not that I want him to hurt, of course. Just that I don't want him to try so hard to hide it when the hurt is there.