100 Word Challenge - Speak

What follows is offered in response to Velvet Verbosity's 100 Word Challenge. The challenge, this week, is "Speak".

 
The Miner's Son
Charlie Derschler sat in a chair across the desk from the Principal, his head down, chin on his chest, his hands folded in his lap.

"Now, Charlie, I called you in here because I have news, for you, and it isn't good."

Charlie's head came up and Principal Warren could see the tears in his eyes.

"I heard the whistle from the mine, Sir.  I know what it means.  My Maw would always stop and not speak, she'd fold her hands and say silent prayers to heaven hopin' Paw would come home.  He ain't comin' home this time, is he."


Ndinombethe.