It had been five years since Carnivine's arrest and Camellia's passing. In that time gap, things had changed in the city, as they often tend to do. Even besides the fact that more buildings had been made, there was a particularly special development for Carla. She had attended college and graduated, and it was her first day of working as a math teacher in an eighth-grade classroom. Carla got all her supplies and lesson plans together. She went to have breakfast with Carter, and they had pancakes. After that, Carla got up and took her bag.
Carter waved at her. "Have a good day at work."
Carla wrung her hands together. "I'm kinda nervous, though."
"Ah, first day nerves are normal," Carter said. "Just do your best, follow the plans, and the students will love ya."
Carla felt better when she heard his words of encouragement. She kissed his cheek and then walked through the door. "Thanks, pop. I'll see ya this afternoon."
Carla arrived at the middle school. She approached the door to Class 4B and reached for the knob. She hesitated a bit, as she was still somewhat jittery, but she took a deep breath and entered. Carla put her old family photo on her desk. She looked around and saw the students at their desks. Some of them seemed rather nervy as well, so she knew she wasn't alone in that regard.
"Howdy, everyone," she greeted them. "Welcome to the start of the school year. Yer probably all sad since it's the end of summer break, but there's something y'all should take comfort in. New years are a time of new beginnings, and you may learn things that change yer life."
The students looked rather impressed at her small speech. With that, Carla began the first of what would be many algebra lessons that year.
That night, Carla was at home. It had been a good first day of teaching and she liked the students so far. She sat at her desk and looked off pensively in silence. She took out a piece of paper and began to write. It was a letter to Camellia.
"Hey, Cam," she wrote. "Remember how I used to tell you about my dreams of being a teacher? Well, now I've attained that goal. I just wish you were here to see me now, but I hope you're as proud of me up there as I am of you. And though you've been gone for a long time, you will always have a special place in my heart, and memories don't die. Love, your ma."
When she finished, she went to the top of a very tall hill. She looked at the stars above and hugged the letter before letting it blow away with the wind. The stars became even brighter in the sky. She smiled bittersweetly. She didn't know what else would happen in time, but as long as she had all the important things in life, she would have the strength to face whatever the future would throw at her.
Author's note: This entire story was made in memory of a friend of mine who died last year. He will always be missed.