Beyond The Classroom

Over.

School Cafeteria:
Victoria sat at a round table in the bustling cafeteria, her tray untouched. Mia and Eric flanked her on both sides. The chatter and laughter around them seemed to come from a different world, one that Victoria was no longer part of.

Mia leaned forward, her eyes filled with concern. 'Vic, you can't keep doing this. You have to eat something.'

Victoria forced a smile, pushing a piece of lettuce around her plate. 'I'm fine, really. Just not hungry.'

Eric sighed, crossing his arms. 'We know this is hard, but avoiding food isn't going to help. You need your strength.'

Victoria looked up, her eyes glassy. 'It's not just the food. It's everything. Everywhere I go, I see him. It's like a constant reminder of what I lost, of what I did.'

Mia reached out and squeezed Victoria's hand. 'It wasn't just you, okay? It takes two to tango. And it's not your fault it ended like this.'

'But it is my fault.' Victoria whispered, tears threatening to spill. 'I should have known better. I should have stayed away.'

Eric glanced around the cafeteria, ensuring no one was listening. 'Look, Vic, the important thing is that you're not alone. We're here for you, every step of the way.'

Victoria nodded, wiping her eyes. 'Thanks, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you.'

Mia smiled warmly. 'That's what friends are for. And remember, this will pass. Someday, it'll just be a distant memory.'

Victoria tried to believe her, but the weight of her heartache made it hard to see that far ahead.

*************************

Teachers' Lounge:
Mr Reed sat alone in the corner of the teachers' lounge, nursing a cup of coffee. His usually sharp attire looked rumpled, and dark circles underscored his tired eyes. He stared blankly at a stack of ungraded papers.

Mr Wilson entered the lounge and spotted Mr Reed. He grabbed a chair and sat down across from him.

'Hey, Reed. You look like you could use a friend.' Mr Wilson said, his voice gentle but firm.

Mr Reed glanced up, managing a weak smile. 'Hey. Just... trying to get through the day.'

Mr Wilson nodded knowingly. 'Tough break. How are you holding up?'

Mr Reed sighed, rubbing his temples. 'Shit. It's hard to focus on anything else when every time I turn a corner, I see her.'

Mr Wilson leaned back, folding his arms. 'It's a small school. Hard to avoid her. But you did the right thing, ending it. For both of your sakes.'

'I know.' Mr Reed said, his voice heavy with regret. 'But knowing doesn't make it easier. I keep replaying everything in my head, wondering if there was another way.'

Mr Wilson leaned forward, his expression serious. 'Listen, Reed. We all make mistakes. What matters is how we move forward. You're a good teacher, and your students need you. Don't let this define you.'

Mr Reed nodded slowly, absorbing Mr Wilson's words. 'Thanks, Wilson. I needed to hear that.'

Mr Wilson smiled, tapping him on the shoulder. 'Anytime. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you.'

Mr Reed managed a more genuine smile this time. 'Thanks. I appreciate it.'

**********************

School Hallway:
Victoria hurried down the hallway between her classes, her eyes fixed on the floor. She turned a corner and nearly collided with Mr Reed. Both froze, a moment of silent tension passing between them before they quickly looked away and continued in opposite directions.

As she walked, Mia caught up with her, out of breath. 'Hey, Vic! I saw that. Are you okay?'

Victoria forced a smile. 'Yeah, just a little shaken. It's like a bad dream I can't wake up from.'

Mia looped her arm through Victoria's. 'Let's get to class. Focus on something else. You have us, and we'll get through this together.'

Victoria nodded, grateful for Mia's unwavering support. 'You're right. One step at a time.'

*******************

PE Class:
Mr Reed stood in front of his students, trying to engage his students in a discussion on muscles. His mind kept drifting back to the encounter in the hallway.

'Mr Reed?' a student called, snapping him back to reality.

'Yes, sorry. What was the question?'

The student repeated it, and Mr Reed did his best to focus. After class, Mr Wilson stopped by, leaning against the doorframe.

'How'd it go?' Mr Wilson asked.

Mr Reed sighed, running a hand through his hair. 'Could have been better. My head's not in the game.'

Mr Wilson stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. 'Remember what I said. Don't let this define you. You're stronger than you think.'

Mr Reed nodded, appreciating the reminder. 'Thanks, Wilson. I'll keep that in mind.'

Mr Wilson smiled. 'Good. Now, how about we grab a beer after school? Talk about anything but work.'

Mr Reed chuckled, feeling a bit lighter. 'Sounds like a plan.'

******************

After School, Local Park:
Victoria, Mia, and Eric sat on a bench, watching the sunset. The cool breeze was a welcoming change from the stifling school environment.

Eric handed Victoria a small notebook. 'Write it all down. Everything you're feeling. It might help to get it all out.'

Victoria took the notebook, grateful for the gesture. 'Thanks, Eric. I'll try.'

Mia smiled, leaning her head on Victoria's shoulder. 'We're here for you, no matter what. And we'll get through this together.'

Victoria looked at her friends, feeling a spark of hope. 'I know. And I can't thank you enough.'

They sat in companionable silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon, a symbol of new beginnings and the promise of better days ahead.