Page 81 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

I remain staring at the door for another moment. When we wake up tomorrow, hopefully, it won’t be dead silence because of me.

Chapter 33

Winnie

“Yes!” Kime stands from the chair with her small hands in the air. “It’s ready!”

“Nice! You’ve done a great job.” I lightly clap for her when we’re in the library and should be mindful of others.

She lifts the card she and I prepared for Telke. “Do you think Mr. Stek will like it?”

“He will. You put your heart into it. That’s the most important ingredient.”

On the card, there’s a drawing of Telke and Kime in the playground together. Kime drew the picture, she even drew a floatball for Telke. She and I put together the decorations for the card. There are hearts lining the edges and glitter for the sky. It’s mostly Kime’s idea. All I did was make sure she had the materials she needs and help with some of the procedures.

According to Telke himself, he has recovered completely from the accident. I don’t have a reason to doubt his healing progress, either. But the card is still going to be greatly appreciated.

Kime turns to me. “Do you know whether Mr. Stek is in the staff room and I can give this to him?”

I check my phone for the teaching schedule. “I think he’s going to be there. Let’s go.”

She puts the card into an envelope, which we also decorated together. “I hope he’ll like it.”

“He will.”

Maybe Kime’s like me. Both of us need to make sure things are going to be fine more than once.

She reaches her hand to me, so I take it. I glance around the library, making sure everyone’s doing fine. The cleaning staff is there working on the glass display cases, so I ask for her help to keep an eye on the kids while I’m gone.

Kime can’t wait to arrive at the staff room, so I hurry to go with her. Her legs are shorter than mine, but she somehow drags me along the corridor.

When we get to the staff room, Telke is there talking to the principal.

Kime lets out a soft sigh. “Looks like he is busy.” Maybe Kime knows the principal isn’t stopping anytime soon and Telke won’t be able to get out quick enough.

I wink. “Maybe we can help him.”

“Yes! Let’s do it!”

Most of the time, talks between teaching staff are kept away from kids. Not to mention that if it’s important and confidential, the principal and Telke would be talking inside the staff room or inside a meeting room, not in the corridor. Likely, it’s just a casual chat that’s not going to end anytime soon.

We go up to them. Kime opens her mouth, but the intensity in her eyes slowly fades.

I clear my throat. “Good morning.”

The principal and Telke look over at us. Telke’s eyes light up at once. “Good morning.” Telke looks to Kime. “Hello there.”

The principal chuckles and pats Telke’s shoulder. “Looks like you got something to do. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Sure, later.” Telke waves the principal goodbye and turns to Kime. “What’s up?”

I let go of Kime’s hand so she can hand the card over to Telke with both hands. “Mr. Stek, I’m sorry that I didn’t pay attention before I tried to pick up the ball. Please forgive me.”

“Oh, is this a card for me?” Telke takes the envelope and opens it. “Wow!”

Kime takes a breath and glances at me. I give her a thumbs-up, encouraging her to keep going. She says, “I made this card with Miss. Bailey. So... I hope you’re well.”

Telke has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. “Thank you. I’m perfectly fine by now. The doctors worked their magic. Just be careful next time. This card is so nice.”

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