It turned out to be colored in parts but also written in with a marker. He swore he only colored it and was quick to throw another student under the bus for the marker writing. I can tell when he's lying because his mouth is moving. But in the interest of thoroughness I checked out his story. A handwriting analysis provided by the teacher (yes, teachers can do anything) showed that the girl he blamed did in fact write in the book. But since he had told her it was his book she wasn't in as much trouble as he was. The administrator who took up the issue kept him longer, but made her write me an apology.
I get a few apologies of this type every so often and one thing they rarely are is sincere. This one actually seems to mean what it says.
Dear Mr. Randolph,
I am so so so sooo sorry I damaged a book. Now that I know it is a library book I feel real guilty I will not do it ever never ever never again. I will pray for you tonite that not another student would do what I just did. I love reading. I also am inspired by you. You show emotion when you read. You do a great job of reading and you do a great job on organizing books. Again I am sorry.
Sincerely,
[name withheld]
If that wan't a real apology then she's doing a great job of faking it and really knows how to butter up the librarian, no?
