The seeds we plant

Judith's POV:

The turning of pages is the only thing that can be heard in the room. Although this is not usually something unusual in my personal space, this time I am not making that sound alone.

- Do you know how to say this word?

This seemingly perpetual silence is broken by the voice of a certain girl who approaches me to ask something about her book.

- Let's see... it's called "courage."

- Courage?... I understand, thank you teacher.

After that she runs to a small table in the corner of the room and sits down again to continue. This sight became a daily occurrence before I realized it. It's been 2 weeks since she started learning to read. Although at first I couldn't tolerate her presence because of how strange it was, now I feel like it's become quite natural to have her here. On the other hand, this girl is really amazing, she learned the entire alphabet in less than 3 days. Now she can read on her own the children's books I give her. Even if there is a difficult word she just asks me and learns it. So far I don't remember her asking me for the same word twice.

"I can't help but feel proud of her fast learning…"

Another thing that changed a lot in these 2 weeks would definitely be the way I see her. Now at least she doesn't scare me. Although her expression and eyes are exactly the same as before, I could detect something else deep within her dead eyes.

"An overwhelming sadness"

But… even though I was able to see it, that doesn't mean I feel like I have to do something for her. While it's true that she had a heartbreaking childhood, it's not like she's the only one with a tragic past in the world. And if she doesn't talk about it, I don't want to bring her past up either. So for now I'll just enjoy the little company of… Huh?

- Is something wrong teacher?

- Eeeeekkk

I take back what I said, I'm still scared of that piercing gaze of hers.

- N-no, it's nothing. I was just wondering what your name is

- What's my name?

- I know the weed mentioned it before, but with everything that happened I forgot.

- ….

I couldn't help but look away. For some reason her gaze became four times more penetrating than usual.

- Natasha.

- Huh?

- My name is Natasha.

For a second, I swore I saw a smile, but when I blinked, she had the same expression as always… did I imagine it?

- Teacher?

- Ah.. sorry Nath, I got lost for a moment.

- Nath…

- You don't like being called that?

She shook her head slightly.

- It's not that… it's just that… it feels nostalgic to me.

I could feel a hint of sadness in her eyes when she said that phrase. I stood up and approached her as she looked at the ground. I raised my hand and gently caressed her head. She was startled by the sudden action but didn't try to pull away or stop me so I just kept going for a while.

- Why do you talk like you're an old man? You're still young you know, enjoy your life properly instead of getting lost in nostalgia.

- … Yes

Although I couldn't see her expression, I felt her voice was a little warmer. Suddenly as I stroked her head, my boys flew out from my own shadow. Surprised by the sudden development, I turned to them.

- Max, Terrence, why have you left my shadow?

"Miss, I'm afraid we can't go back to your shadow anymore."

- Huh? What do you mean?.... wait, don't tell me what.

Max just nodded his snout, looking closely at both of them they had a sad look on their faces.

- Damn…. Dolla.

I couldn't help but frown in a grimace of pain at the news while Nath just watched the situation unfold without really understanding it.