Dylan looked at the clock. Two minutes and she'd be free. Summer would start, and with it, adulthood. Two more minutes, and everything would change.
She waited. And waited.
Just as she thought the agony would kill her, the bell tolled, signaling that all things old and known were now gone. The students erupted from their seats, yells of joy sounding across campus.
Ignoring the chaos around her, Dylan approached the front of the room. Mr. Anderson, the teacher, would be staying behind to pack up some old binders and papers in preparation for the long vacation ahead, but Dylan wanted to get in a word or two before she left for home. Who knew when she'd get to talk to him as a teacher again? But of course, it was the big burly man who spoke first.
"Yes Dylan?" he asked, so focused on packing that he hadn't even turned to look at her.
"I just wanted to let you know, you've been a really great teacher this year."
Mr. Anderson turned and looked at her. "Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you."
"Please, I'm not finished yet." the girl swallowed. "You were the best teacher I've had all year. And I'm really going to miss you as a teacher."
There was a pause before Mr. Anderson spoke, this time with a slight laugh in his voice. "Love you too Dill. Now get going. Mom's going to want to see those grades, you remember how she was when I finished high school."
"Thanks Pat. See you at home." Dylan smiled at her brother before turning and rushing out of the room.