Isn’t There

“I have my paper to turn in,” the student said, rubbing her eyes, letting me know she wanted me to see her as tired, embattled.
“Okay,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
“Will you penalize me, ‘cause it’s late?”
I didn’t say anything, put it in my bag, rubbing my eyes, letting her know I was tired of such.

2/29/16