When We Were Almost
Most were in groups—laughing, talking, locked in rhythms she couldn’t match.
She walked into the front office and was greeted by a secretary who smelled like lemon mints and wore a pumpkin pin. “You must be Layla! Welcome, sweetie. You’re going to do great here.”
Layla managed a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
First period was English. The teacher, Ms. Garrett, was young and enthusiastic, the kind who wrote inspirational quotes on the whiteboard in different colors. Layla found an empty desk near the back, feeling eyes trail her like shadows.