Emma first noticed her from the window.
That same woman she had met once before. The one with kind eyes and a calm voice. She stood quietly under a tree, just beyond the school fence. Not doing anything, just waiting and watching.
It was the same spot as last time.
When the final bell rang, and students began spilling into the hallway, laughing and dragging backpacks behind them, Emma hesitated momentarily, then walked outside.
It was late afternoon, and a gentle breeze was blowing through the trees. The woman saw her approaching and raised her hand, offering a friendly wave.
Emma gave a shy smile and slowly walked toward her. "Hi," she said.
"Hi," the woman replied, with a warm tone. "It's good to see you again."
Emma stood there for a second, then said quietly, "I… I want to say I'm sorry. About last time. The way I walked away wasn't nice. I didn't mean to be rude."
