Ground Rules

As I closed the door behind me, the cool air of the hallway hit my face, contrasting with the warmth that lingered in the Director’s Office. My thoughts swirled as I walked away, replaying the last few minutes I had with Hayashi-sensei. Her resting her head on my shoulder, that small, unspoken gesture of trust, meant more than anything she could’ve said aloud.

No matter how much she denied it, I somehow ended up being her place of comfort. I didn’t pry about the cause of her stress anymore since like she said, it wasn’t something someone like me could help with.

Nonetheless, Hayashi-sensei was still quite a wonder. Despite all the power and authority she wielded, there was this side of her – vulnerable and uncertain that she rarely allowed anyone to see. Maybe it was because she was so hung up on my father that she truly never opened herself up to anyone else.