Love

Mrs. Wilmest faced the class with a bright smile. “What is another word or phrase for ‘love’?” she asked the shining faces looking up at her. “I like you!” Murphy called out with a giggle. “Yes!” Mrs. Wilmest acknowledged. “What are some more words or phrases?” “Heart!” exclaimed Neera (putting both of her hands there, on her chest). The teacher nodded, and the voices continued to chime. “Thank you!” “I did all of my chores!” “When I help someone do math!” “What about you, Tilly? Do you have a word or a phrase?” Mrs. Wilmest asked quietly (standing near to the timid girl). She stood and, in her teacher’s ear, whispered, “I’m all right, Tilly - I promise. You work hard at school, so you can have the last piece of bread.” Tilly smiled and Mrs. Wilmest forced herself to beam, struggling to hold her breath so that the tears would wait.