One afternoon, as Ava waited for Emily after class, Mrs. Delgado, their art teacher, approached her with a gentle smile. "Ava, could I speak to you for a moment?"
Ava tensed, wondering if she was in trouble. But Mrs. Delgado's expression was warm. She had noticed the whispers, the side glances, the way people treated her students.
"I know it isn't easy for you two," she said softly. "If you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here. I know what it's like to be different."
Ava blinked, surprised. Her teacher's support was unexpected but deeply appreciated. When she told Emily later, Emily looked relieved, like a weight had been lifted.
"Maybe… maybe we do have people on our side," Emily whispered, her voice filled with a small spark of hope.