She glanced at Luna, who still hadn't spoken much since Capi's visit. At Felix, who was doodling slowly, his eyes half-lidded. At Rocky, who'd been quiet as usual.
She continued, her tone steady and kind. "Sometimes, when we hold things in, they grow bigger and heavier inside our hearts. But if you share it with someone who cares, it becomes lighter. You can feel better."
Sable blinked up from his page.
Kelpie tilted his head.
Boo floated closer, upside down, but listening.
"You don't have to explain everything if you're not ready," she said, "but even just saying, 'Teacher, I feel weird today' is enough. I'll understand."
Her voice softened, just a little more. "Because that's what I'm here for, okay? Not just for math and language… but for you."
There was a long, quiet pause.
Then Boo suddenly floated back up and announced, "I feel weird every day, but in a cute way!"
A few giggles filled the room, the mood slowly lifting.
****
