Nora kept her homework folder in the second slot of her desk. The first slot held her math notebook. After morning announcements, Ms. Alvarez said, “Homework out.” Nora reached into the second slot. Her hand touched the math notebook. She pulled it out halfway, checked the cover, and put it back in the first slot.

She reached again. The homework folder was not there. She checked the third slot. Loose papers. A crayon. A corner of a worksheet. She checked the first slot again. The homework folder was not in the desk. Ms. Alvarez walked between rows collecting papers.

Nora opened her backpack. The homework folder was inside, sideways under her lunch bag. The top edge was bent. She took it out and tried putting it back into the second slot. It caught on the edge. Ms. Alvarez reached Nora’s row. Nora handed her the homework. She tried the second slot again. It caught again.

She put the folder in the third slot instead, on top of the loose papers. It fit there. Ms. Alvarez moved on. During silent reading, Nora opened her desk and looked at the slots. First: math notebook. Second: empty. Third: homework folder on top of the loose papers. She closed the desk.

At dismissal, she opened it again. The folder was still in the third slot. She moved it back to the second slot. It caught on the bent edge again. She pressed the bent part down with her thumb until it flattened enough to slide. It went in. She closed the desk.

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