Disapproving glances
She shook her head, her disappointment evident as she glanced at the boy and his friends but chose to stay silent. One by one, the students left the cafeteria, their trays empty as they returned to class. The space grew quiet, save for the low hum of the vending machine. I focused on mopping, the rhythmic motion grounding me. It was just another ordinary moment in a day full of them, yet there was something comforting about not being entirely alone in it.

Disapproving Glances
Ignoring the laughter
I kept mopping, tuning out the boy’s sharp laughter echoing behind me. With each pass of the mop, his taunts seemed to fade a little more. Outside, the rain began tapping lightly against the windows, its rhythmic cadence strangely soothing. I fixed my attention on the task at hand, resolute not to let his behavior rattle me. After all, someone had to keep this place in order—rain or shine.

Ignoring The Laughter