strangely.
Some were still smiling as he passed.
But no one called her “the kindergarten teacher” anymore.
Not because she had hit someone.
Not because she had demonstrated force with violence.
It’s because she’s proven that authority doesn’t come from height,
muscle, or the fear you can instill.
It comes from being consistent.
Do not succumb to provocations.
To see the person, but not to justify his behavior.
To speak calmly when everyone else is screaming.
And not letting anyone decide your worth by how you look.
In the common room, Martin was sitting at a table, writing a letter.
When I saw her, she got up.
“Mrs. Doneva, my sister answered me.
Ralitsa stopped.
“What did he tell you?”
He smiled uncertainly.
“That she’s still angry. But that he is glad that I have finally written.
Ralitsa nodded.
“This is the beginning.
From the other end of the corridor,
