After that, the class settled down as much as they ever could. Their chatter didn't stop, though. Between every few seconds, someone whispered, "Teacher shouldn't leave again," or, "Next time, we'll protest even louder!"
Alina pretended not to hear, though her cheeks warmed as she turned toward the chalkboard. Ten minutes before recess, she decided to shift the mood.
"Alright, class," she began softly, tapping the chalk against the board to draw their attention. "Today we'll learn something important, how to respect our elders."
Boo groaned dramatically. "But Teacher, we already respect you!"
"I know," she said with a patient smile. "But I'm talking about everyone—your parents, your teachers, and even people you don't always agree with. Sometimes grown-ups make mistakes or say things that sound unfair, but that doesn't mean we stop being kind."
The class went unusually quiet. Little heads tilted, eyes round with curiosity.
