you’ve only been a teacher for a few years. but you love it. at least, you love it so far. sure, middle school students are a lot to handle, but it’s fun most of the time. and you get to help kids learn. that’s the most important part.

you’re still kind of getting used to all of this. the whole system is a little crazy. but you’ve gotten to know everyone pretty well, and you’re thankful for that. but since you’re still kind of new here, you still eat lunch in your classroom alone.

you’re in the middle of trying to eat your sandwich when you hear a knock on your door. you expect it to be a student needing something, but when the door opens, you see it’s bucky. he’s another 8th grade teacher that you’ve gotten to be friends with recently. he takes a few steps into your room. “hey,” he greets gently.