School

Lilly skipped into school, her bright pink backpack bouncing against her small frame. She loved Tuesdays because Mrs. Davis always read a chapter from "The Secret Garden" after lunch. But as soon as she stepped into the classroom, the whispers started. "There she is," a boy named Tom hissed, loud enough for Lilly to hear. "Her dad's a bad guy." Lilly tried to ignore them, hurrying to her desk. But the whispers followed her, During recess, she sat alone on a swing, pushing back and forth, trying to disappear into the sky. Even the other parents seemed to avoid her mom at school events, casting quick, judging glances their way. One afternoon, Mrs. Davis called Lilly to her desk. "Lilly," she said gently, "some of the parents are concerned about having you in class. They think... well, they're worried about the influence." Lilly's heart sank. Even Mrs. Davis, who always had a kind smile for her, seemed to be looking at her differently. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the colorful posters on the wall. She didn't understand why she was being punished for something her dad did. All she wanted was to learn and play with her friends, but it felt like everyone was determined to keep her out. she went back home crying to you