Beneath the Skin

"... Thank you to my teachers' guidance, and my best friend, Allie, of course! She gave me a lot of advice ... and also thanks ..."

In class, Gloria stood up to the warm applause--- Of course, after the instructor called her name.

The first prize for the curriculum design award had been issued after more than two months of selection.

Allie silently watched Gloria walk to the platform, taking over the honor from her instructor and revealing a smile.

But her mouth was turned downwards.

She held a pen, scratching the chair one time after another; the scratch turned deeper after she repeated the action each time.

Allie suddenly closed her eyes ... it seems like she was alone in another world. And in the class of that world, the teacher said, 'Congratulations, Allie! Come on, dear Allie, I think you will not be stingy in sharing your joy now.'