eful not to make any noise that might al

he bookstore slip away. I needed the little money it brou

he sun was just starting to rise, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets. I enjoyed th

ere the bookstore was located, I saw the f

colorful font. I pushed open the door, and th

from behind the counter, a warm

s. Akua was used to calling me Nana instead of my real name. "What br

now, Mrs. Akua. I just...I needed to get out of the house. You know how i

d. Well, you're here now. Why don't you help me with some inventory before y

ateful for th

I was busy restocking shelves, lost in thought, when the do

ould surely recognize me. I quickly ducked behind a st

enough to carry across the store. "The affair was all over social

ther girl chimed in. "Can you imagine the embarrassm

itement. "What? Yeah, I heard the principal had no choice but to kick her o

tting deep. I felt a lump form in my throat

alk about it? I thought I'd escaped the drama for a few

ross the room. She subtly nodded towards the back of the store, indic

out counter. "I don't know how she doesn't have any shame," one of them said, rollin

id they know the real truth? I wanted to stand up and defend myse

a sigh of relief. Mrs. Akua came over and

n I tell her about the scandal? I remained silent and my face flushed with

s going on with you, but whatever it is, I know yo

n lingered, a reminder that the gossip and rumors would

The encounter with my classmates had left me drained, and all I wanted to do was collapse onto my

cracked phone screen flickered to life on

om Mrs. Akua about tomorrow's work schedule or another

elected. Moonridge Academy welc

ng with excitement. Maybe this was th