Just a misunderstanding

Chapter 4: The listener

There's something incredibly special about my teacher that sets her apart from everyone else in my life. She is more than someone who stands in front of the classroom, giving lessons and handing out assignments. To me she's a confidant, a guide, and a source of constant support, always there when I need someone to lean on.

Whenever I get bullied, and I feel weighed down by the constant judgement, she’s the only person I know can turn to.

She never judged when I needed to vent or felt like sharing what’s been on my mind. She listens patiently, allowing me to express myself without holding back, and she never rushes me. Even if I’m feeling upset or frustrated, she listens to me without interrupting, making me feel like my thoughts and feelings truly matter.

She has this remarkable way of understanding where I’m coming from, no matter what I’m going through, and she always knows just the right words to make me feel understood and supported.

To me, she is more than a teacher, she’s a friend, a mentor, and a constant source of positivity in my life. I feel incredibly grateful to have her by my side, always willing to listen, guid, and support me through everything I face. Having her by my side reminds me that no matter how tough things get, there is always someone who genuinely cares and wants to see me succeed.

I sat in my seat feeling like everything around me was crumbling.

“The accusations were impossible to ignore: I had been accused of stealing an expensive necklace at the fundraising party that my parents got invited to, and the necklace has been found in my bag even though I never stole it. How could anyone believe me when they all thought I was guilty?” I let out as tears ran down my face.
“Mira, I know that you didn’t do this,” she replied, her voice calm and steady. “But right now, we need proof. We can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

I nodded slowly, my heart heavy. “But how? My parents won’t listen to me. They think I’m guilty. They’re on Thomas’s side. They won’t even let me explain.”

Ms.Ellis leaned forward, her eyes full of sympathy. “I know it feels like no one believes you but that doesn’t mean the truth won’t come out. We’ll find a way, even if we have to dig deep."

I have wiped the tears off from my face. I wanted to believe that, but everything seemed hopeless.

“The night of the party, I had noticed something off about my brother’s behavior. He was unusually nice to me, apologizing for the things that didn’t even need apologizing for, and being oddly clingy. I thought he was just trying to make up for the past, but now that I think about it, it’s pretty suspicious.” I hypothesize, still thinking about how my brother might be the culprit.

Ms.Ellis was quick to notice my unease when I mentioned how strange my brother acted during the party. Sensing something was off, Ms.Ellis encouraged me to trust my instincts and guided me through piercing together the clues. Her support made me feel less alone in figuring out what was really going on.

“So you think something’s off with him?” She asked.

I nodded, my hands fidgeting. “Yeah, it seems pretty weird that he apologized to me, because he never feels guilty about anything . It doesn’t make sense.”

She gave me a reassuring smile. “Trust your gut. What’s the first thing you noticed? Was there anything out of the ordinary before the party?”

I paused thinking back. “Well he kept following me around, offering to help with things he’d normally ignore. It felt like he was trying too hard.”

Ms.Ellis nodded thoughtfully.” Sometimes people act out of character for a reason. People shift like shadows, with something hidden beneath.”

“What do you mean?” I said as I stared at her in confusion.

“Think about it,” she said, her voice low but insistent. “If Thomas knew where the necklace was, or had it himself, he might’ve stayed close to make sure you didn’t find it. Or…”

“Or make me look guilty.” I finished, the realization hitting me like a punch to the gut.