ᴛᴀᴇɴɴɪᴇ ʟɪꜱᴋᴏᴏᴋ | ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ

Kindergarten

"Ms. Manoban, I didn't expect this from you." The principal's stern voice cut through the air like a knife. Her eyes bore into me, radiating disappointment. I couldn't bring myself to look directly at her. Being a kindergarten teacher is usually a joy, filled with laughter and innocent mischief. But when those tiny humans turn on each other, the weight of responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders.

"Ma'am-" I started, but she cut me off with a sharp look. Though I knew I wasn't at fault, an apology seemed necessary. Her eyes narrowed to slits, cold and unyielding. "No apologies needed. I expect you to deal with their parents, alone."

"Alone?" I echoed, my voice barely more than a whisper. The idea of facing those parents by myself was daunting. In my three months here, I had never once met any of the parents. Handling children was one thing; handling their parents was an entirely different challenge.

Her tone was final and unyielding. "Yes. Alone. You were not present when the children fought, which I can only attribute to your carelessness. Now, you will address this situation directly with their parents. I do not want any further disappointments, Ms. Manoban."

The urge to retaliate, to wipe that smug expression off her face, was strong. But I knew better. I had no choice but to face this challenge on my own.

As I stepped out of the principal's office, I was greeted by an unexpected sight. Tae Ri, Ava, and Seol stood together, looking up at me with wide, innocent eyes. It was a surprising sight, considering the fierce fight they had been involved in earlier that morning.

Kim Tae Ri, ever the extrovert, had a knack for making friends and was usually kind to everyone. Jeon Seol, a rabbit of sorts, could switch between being extroverted and introverted depending on her mood. She was a ball of sunshine and, admittedly, my favorite. Ava Kim, on the other hand, was more of a hermit kitten, beautiful and lovable but preferring solitude.

I had no idea what had caused their argument, and even Tae Ri, usually so vocal, refused to explain. This left me with no choice but to call their parents. Now, it had backfired, and I was left to deal with the aftermath. God, give me strength.

"Sowwwyyyy Ms. Liliii," they chorused, their voices blending in an unplanned harmony. They glanced at each other before focusing back on me with their pleading eyes. My heart softened at their adorable faces. "It's fine, girls. Just promise Ms. Lili you won't fight again?"

Their faces fell, drained of all color at my words. I stifled a laugh and sent them back to class, instructing them to stay after school. Then, I composed official emails to their parents, requesting their presence at the school.

The entire day, I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation. When the final bell rang, I glanced at the clock-thirty minutes left before the parents arrived. Sitting in my private staff room-yes, private. This wasn't just any school; it was the most prestigious kindergarten in Korea, a sanctuary for the children of the elite.

As I pondered how I managed to secure a teaching position at such a prestigious school, a small voice interrupted my thoughts.

"May I come in, Ms. Manoban?" There stood Tae Ri, Ava, and Seol, their faces even more downcast than they had been that morning. I smiled and waved them in, noting their guilty expressions. Of course, they were nervous about their parents being summoned.

Trying to ease their worries, I widened my smile. "Ava, Seol, Tae Ri, don't worry. Ms. Manoban isn't going to complain to your parents. I just want to have a discussion, alright?"

They nodded in unison, too anxious to speak. Just then, a knock echoed through the room. I rose, expecting a staff member, but instead found myself face-to-face with a woman who looked like she had stepped off a movie set. She smiled warmly, "I am Jennie Kim, Ava's mother."