Her past was something she never shared. A tragedy had forced her to leave her old life behind. Her husband, a soldier, had died in an ambush overseas, leaving her shattered. For months, she couldn’t speak, couldn’t eat, couldn’t even leave her apartment. Until one morning, she looked at his old note, keep teaching the world kindness, Alina, even when it forgets what kindness means. That letter had brought her back to life. So here she was ready to start over, even if her heart was still fragile.

As she began calling roll, laughter rippled from the back. A tall boy with tattoos under his sleeve. Derek, the school’s resident troublemaker, leaned back in his chair with a mocking grin. Beside him were his two shadows, Ryan and Kurt, both famous for skipping classes and making teachers quit. Yo, new teacher. Derek sneered. You lost or something? Kindergartens next door. The class erupted in laughter. Rolina took a breath. Good morning, Derek. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s start with roll call