We have a sudden meeting with someone we didn't expect to see again.
Even Miyoko, down in the dumps as she is, jumps up from her seat.
"It's good to see you again Miss Kujima"
Miss Kujima pauses for a moment, then points out to one of the lanes
"See those children sprinting down there?"
"They are my students."
"Oh, they're yours?"
"What brings you here, Miss Neyane?"
"Oh! Um..."
She looks down at her feet, tears forming in her eyes. She looks like she's about to cry at any moment so I quickly support her shoulders.
"I...I can explain if you want, Miyoko."
She ever so slightly, and I look up to face her teacher.
"Um, you see..."
I explain the situation to her, and she looks back at Miyoko with concern.
"I see now...that's too bad..."
"Ehehehe, it's fine..i can always sit the exam again..."
She puts on a brave face and laughs.
But Miss Kujima seems to be just as aware as I am that she's forcing herself to smile.
(There's that awkward silence again...)
But it is the truth that this is the first time I have ever seen her so depressed.
(I don't know what to say to her to make her feel better...)
The awkwardness continues.
Then...
"Miss Neyane..."
Miss Kujima looks uncertain as she whispers.
"I have a suggestion."
"A suggestion..?"
She cocks her head to the side questioningly and the teacher nods.
"I know one of the teacher at another school and that school is well known for its athletes."
"I can introduce you to them for one year contract as a substitute teacher..."
"Really?!"
"You can?!"
Her face brightens instantaneously.
But Ms. Kujima's expression is stern.
"But there's one thing..."
"What is it?"
"That junior high school is located on an island 10 hours away by ship."
"Eh?!"
"10 hours, by ship?!"
"It's an island school?!"
"No not really its just a small town an island and they are looking for teachers."
Miss. Kujima nods gravely, then continues.
"If you are serious about teaching, or at least wants a shot at being one while waiting for another teachers exam schedule you can teach there for a meantime, but you would need to move to that island."
"It would be impossible to commute from here to there every day since the boat to that island travels once a month,"
"R-right..."
"But i..."
(Oh no, th-that would mean...)
(Miyoko would need to leave the Famille'?!)