I broke the lock on the supply closet and
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found Sarah, curled up on the floor, crying.
When she looked up at me, her eyes, which
were always smiling, were filled with sadness.
I held back the urge to hug her, and instead I
helped her up and took her home.
But I couldn’t help asking her if she was okay.
She just shook her head. When we passed a
convenience store, I impulsively bought her
some oden. It would be warm for her hands,
and fill her stomach I felt sad watching her
thank me over and over again.
I didn’t want her to say that.
Later, when the teacher asked me to tutor
her, I was ecstatic. Finally, I had a reason to
be with her.
During that time, I’d heard so many rumors
about her and her family.
I didn’t believe them.
Even if they were true, I knew that in the most
dirty mud, even there, the most gorgeous
flowers would bloom.
