Mrs. Smith stood before her class, her eyes scanning the room. "Listen up, students. For the next two weeks, I'll be absent. I've left all the assignments and work you'll need to cover during my absence."

The class erupted into a chorus of disapproval and disappointment. Mrs. Smith waited patiently for the commotion to die down.

"Why can't you just leave when school closes?" a deep voice asked from the back of the class.

Mrs. Smith's expression turned solemn. "I wish I could, but my presence is required elsewhere."

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Mrs....