The evening stars

Сall

Monday morning began with the familiar ringing of the alarm clock. Sophie was used to rising early, and although the first few minutes were always difficult for her, the thought of a day at a job she genuinely enjoyed made her feel better. She quickly got ready, she put on straight white pants, a shirt, and a coffee-colored jacket on top, from cosmetics it was usual for her to tint her eyelashes and eyebrows. She put on her low-heeled shoes and kissed Skye's face and hurried off to work.

The school was not far from her apartment, only a ten minute walk. Sophie loved this time of morning, when the city was still just waking up and the streets were filled with a slight chill. She walked down the long corridors of the school and, as she approached her classroom, stopped for a moment to breathe in the air filled with the scent of fresh paper and crayons. Here, in her classroom, was her territory, a place where she could create a small world for her students.

Sophie's classroom always had an atmosphere of freedom and creativity, just what she herself lacked in her childhood, which is why she felt so strongly about the impact she could have as a teacher. Her students knew that here they could express themselves without fear of being punished or judged. In her classes, children read books, drew, discussed interesting topics and learned to be themselves. Sophie believed that every child was unique and it was her job as a teacher to help each child reach his or her potential.

After lunch, as Sophie was leaving the bakery nearest the school, holding her favorite latte in her hand, her phone vibrated in her purse. She carefully set her drink on the table and began searching her bag for her phone. The screen glowed with the name Rachel, her childhood friend. Sophie's heart thumped with joy - their communication had been rare lately, and every call from Rachel was a pleasant surprise.

"Sophie! It's Rachel!" - came a familiar voice through the receiver.

"Rachel! It's so good to hear from you! How are you?" - Sophie exclaimed, smiling.

"I have amazing news for you," Rachel said enthusiastically. - Alex and my daughter and I are moving to Chicago! Alex will be opening a new branch of his company here, and we decided to move from New York."

Sophie froze in place, feeling the joy sweep over her from head to toe. Rachel, her best friend since high school, was coming back! They had once been inseparable, sharing all their secrets and dreams. But after Rachel met Alex and moved to New York, their communication had dwindled to occasional holiday calls and messages about important events.

"That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" - Sophie said, feeling a wave of happiness fill her.

"I'm very happy too," Rachel replied. - 'We need to get together and talk. It's been so long since we've seen each other, I have so much news!"

"Of course! Let's meet in the next few days. I'm really looking forward to our meeting," Sophie replied.

They arranged to meet and Sophie sipped her latte, which seemed to taste even better, her thoughts already anticipating the changes to come. She remembered how Rachel, as a schoolgirl, had always been bright and determined, striving for success and a career. And then, having met some guy on a dating app, who later became her husband, she had changed her plans and devoted herself to her family and raising her daughter. Sophie realized that Rachel had made her choice and, judging by her voice, was happy.Putting her phone in her pocket, Sophie smiled, thinking about how strangely life could turn out. The upcoming meeting with Rachel promised many memories, conversations, and perhaps a new chapter in their friendship. The day continued as usual, but the thought of her friend's return warmed her soul and made an ordinary Monday special.