Mostly about the courage it must take to stand in your truth every day in a place like Rosehill.
Watching you grow into the woman you were always meant to be was a gift, and knowing that you’re back, doing exactly what you dreamed of…
Proud doesn’t begin to cover how I feel.
If you ever want to catch up, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It would be wonderful to hear your voice again.
Take care of yourself, Iris. And remember, you’re never alone.
With love,
Lily Price
The words sink in like a balm, soothing a part of me I thought was gone. A reminder that someone out there truly believes in me.
I never meant to go this long without visiting Ms. Price.
She changed my life.
She was there for me when no one else was. Understood,on some level, that I was going through something and chose to be there with me every step of the way. With this letter, she’s providing me with that same sense of comfort she used to when I was a student here.
I’m rereading the words when there’s a knock on my open door. I look up to find familiar pink hair, followed by Emily. “Addie, I didn’t know we had art lessons today.”
“We don’t, I just forgot my sketchbook. We’re going to the festival!”
Right.
The Spring Festival.
I smile at Addie as she rambles on about all the rides she’s making her best friend go on. “Uh, Addie,” Emily starts as they’re heading back out the door. “You mind if I talk to Ms. Patel alone real quick?”
“Okay!” she says with a bright smile and a wave. “Bye, Ms. Patel!”
Emily stays by the door, staring at me with a nervous expression. I wait for her to say something, a bit confused because I don’t even have her in class.
She doesn’t say anything, and after a tense minute, I speak up. “What is it, Emily? Is everything okay?”
She shifts from foot to foot. Her hands fidget with the strap of her backpack, twisting and untwisting as she forces the words out. “I think I might be like you.” I frown, not knowing what she’s talking about, but she continues, “I don’t feel… right. As a girl. And when I heard about you…”
I stand up and meet her where she’s at, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I see. Thank you for telling me that, Emily. I know it’s not an easy thing to say out loud.”
“I don’t know if I want to do anything yet,” she says, lookingdown at the floor. “Or tell people. Oh man, what would Addie think?”
She looks up at me with wide eyes, and I completely understand that feeling. I give her what I hope is an encouraging smile.
“You don’t have to have all the answers right now. No one does. But if you need to talk, or need someone who might understand how you’re feeling, my door is always open.”
I can see her body relax as some of the anxiety eases from her expression. “Thanks, Ms. Patel. That means a lot,” she pauses before adding, “I guess Addie was right about you. Youarepretty cool.”
“Emily?” I call after her when she starts out of the classroom. “You don’t have to worry about Addie. I see the way she looks at you. She’s not going anywhere.”
Her cheeks turn a rosy shade as she sputters out, “Oh, uh, right, t-thanks.” I cover my mouth, suppressing a laugh.
Emily huffs, rolling her eyes, but she doesn’t deny my implication.
Iknewthere was something going on there.
Sinking into my chair with a sigh, I look back down at the letter from Ms. Price still open on my desk. The room feels heavy, Emily’s words still hovering in the air. My fingers trace the edge of the paper, and for a moment, I’m lost in a memory of myself at Emily’s age, terrified and unsure.
