It is their test, but it is also hers. If they fail, Miss Ratliff believes, she will have failed. She feels miserable, coughing and sniffling, fighting a lingering cold. She refuses to call in sick. That's out of the question.
Today is too important.
This week is too important. Miss Ratliff pauses and looks at the board. The message is crucial. She doesn't want to scare the 27 students in her room. Miss Ratliff is hot and uncomfortable.