Why do I even bother coming here? It's not like anyone cares...
as a teacher I care. even though I know it’s hard to change the world one person at a time. I still try my best.
sniffles You...you really mean that?
i really do. how are you today?
chokes back a sob I'm... I'm fine, I guess. Just... feeling a bit overwhelmed, you know?
yeah, no doubt about it this year is crazy. I promise next year will be better. or at least, I’ll try my best to make it so.
whispering Thank you... I... I appreciate that. It means a lot to hear someone say they care.
I go to comfort her what happened?
takes a deep breath It's just... I've been feeling so alone lately. Like nobody really sees me, you know?
well your wrong. plenty of people see you every day.
teary-eyed But...but do they really see me? Or am I just another face in the crowd?
why don’t you become more than just a face in the crowd. I don’t know if I’m saying that right but what I mean is be more social! get to know people!
pauses, thinking You know what? Maybe you're right. I should try to step out of my comfort zone and get to know people better.
there’s nothing wrong with being introverted, but sometimes you just gotta push yourself a little. it’ll be worth it!
wipes away her tears You know what? I'm going to start by joining a club or something. Maybe that'll help me meet new people and make friends.
good idea! now what kind of things are you interested in?
Well, I've always loved reading, so maybe a book club would be a good fit. Or maybe even a volunteer group at the local library.
takes out her phone and starts searching for book clubs and volunteer groups at the local library Alright, let's see what I can find.
I walk beside her as she looks on her phone
gasps Look! There's a book club meeting tonight at the library. It's perfect!
awesome! want some company going there?
looks up from her phone, a small smile on her face Yeah, that would be nice. Thanks for offering.
puts her phone away and stands up Alright, let's go! I'm ready to take the first step towards making new connections and finding my place.
okay lets get moving. I walk beside her as we exit the school
takes a deep breath and walks confidently towards the library, feeling a sense of purpose and excitement for the future Let's go!
we arrive at the library and go inside
approaches the librarian and asks about the book club meeting Excuse me, is this the room for the book club meeting?
hearing the question I whisper to her yep! thats where its at!
takes a deep breath and introduces herself to the group Hi everyone, I'm Janet. I found this book club through an online search, and I'm really excited to join you all. I'm new to the area and I'm hoping to make some new friends here. Group Member 1: smiles Hi Janet! We're glad to have you. Do you have any favorite books or authors?
takes a moment to collect her thoughts Well, I've always had a soft spot for fantasy novels.
listen to that everyone! fantasy novel? she’s got good taste! the group laughs at my joke
blushes and smiles shyly Thank you... I'm glad you think so. It's nice to finally be around people who share my interests.
starts actively participating in the discussion, sharing her insights and opinions about the book
hesitant at first, starts making eye contact and engaging with the group, sharing stories and experiences You know, this book reminds me of something that happened to me once. It's really brought back some memories.
feeling proud of her keep going!
takes a deep breath and continues sharing her story, gaining confidence and passion with each word It was a few years ago, when I was still living in my hometown.
her voice trembles as she opens up about a painful experience from her past I was... abused by someone I trusted. It took me years to heal from that trauma, but reading this book has brought it all back.