May the Afterglow of the Sun Lights Up The Dark Sky of Your Night

"All of you are so sneaky! Dare to play around all day long yet you didn't even have time to do your homework," Himari raised up her brows in amusement.

"Hehehe," The sneaky brats laughed awkwardly.

"Since today's session is for self-learning, I would give you more time," Himari gathered her books. She had to join a meeting among the teachers in the third grade, "Before school ends, hand your homework to Daichi. If not, be prepared for what I'd give you."

The sound of a heavy sigh came out collectively.

Himari laughed again. She waved at them and walked out of the classroom.

What pleased her during her short time teaching in this school was, even though the children came from the upper class, it was rare to find a rude student. Most of them were polite and respectful to the teachers.

"Teacher Kato, hello."

"How are your students? Did they ask for more time to hand in the homework?"

Two of the teachers that were already sitting inside the meeting room asked once Himari entered.

"Hehe, they sure did," Himari placed her books down on the table. She opened her planner and marked a few things in a box, "Seems like every class is the same?"

"It's the same old thing," One of the teachers agreed.

Soon, the chief teacher for third grade came with her deputy. All of them were discussing the direction of the school for this semester. The school principal planned to emphasize more importance on cultural and sports activity for this semester.

"Don't just let them sit in the class to learn! They have to know how to be practical in life!" The principal was full of spirits as he voiced out his belief during the morning meeting earlier.

All of the teachers could just agree.

"Literary arts exhibition, learning exhibition, field trip, annual sports event, friendly match with the neighboring schools..."

Each teacher was assigned in pairs to head a team. All of them would work together but they still needed leaders for each activity.

"Teacher Kato, you'd join Teacher Masuda to lead the field trip," The chief teacher opened the ballots and read the two names.

"Okay," Himari cast a glance to Teacher Masuda who sat in a corner. Both of them exchanged a smile.

"Ah, even though the principal wants to see the students more engaging in cultural and sports activities, he would be the first one to blow our heads off if the results fell," Teacher Goda, one of the physical education teachers sighed.

"Don't let him hear you," Instead of reprimanding Teacher Goda, the chief teacher just gave him a slight warning.

After two hours, the meeting was adjourned. Himari took the opportunity to go to Teacher Masuda.

"Teacher Masuda," Himari softly called out to her when the female teacher was busy jotting down on her notebook.

Teacher Masuda chuckled as she looked at the young teacher, "Don't be nervous. I know you want to ask about the field trip. How about this? I'd compile the paperwork for the previous trips and email them to you?"

Himari beamed. She instantly agreed, "That's a good idea. Thank you, Teacher Masuda!"

She had yet to familiarize herself with all the teachers here. From what she observed, Teacher Masuda was a gentle woman yet she could be strict when teaching. She taught Mathematics to students in the second and third grades.

Teacher Masuda rose up from her seat, "You've done a good job when directing the entire third grade during the winter school festival. I believe you'd have no problems as long as you work hard."

"I'll learn more from you," Himari smiled.

To test her capability, the chief teacher gave her tasks to direct the play for the students in the third grade. The play was a success, earning her more standing in the school.

Himari and Teacher Masuda parted ways. Himari went to the teachers' room while Teacher Masuda headed to the cafeteria.

At her desk, Himari began to study the lesson plan for tomorrow. While she was busy with her own things, the class monitor of Class 3-3, Daichi, came.

"Teacher Kato, all of these are the homework," Daichi placed them on an empty space on the desk.

"Did everyone hand them in?" Himari turned her focus to the boy.

"Yes."

"Okay, you may go now," Himari smiled, "Be careful on your way home."

Daichi grinned, "You too, Teacher Kato."

Once Himari was done with the lesson plan, she took the stacks of homework and flipped the pages.

The questions she prepared weren't hard. She just asked the students to share the memorable things they did during the spring break. It was entertaining to be able to read their diverse experiences.

"En?"

Himari blinked once. Confusion flitted in her eyes. She stared at the empty homework that fell in her eyes.

"Izumi didn't do his homework?"

Himari recalled one of the students she taught since the last semester.

Izumi was one of the excellent students in his grade. A bit serious yet polite.

It was rare for a good student like him to not complete his homework, especially without giving any acceptable excuse.

Himari made a mental note to talk to him later.

Well, this was his first mistake. Although it was unprecedented, she planned to observe him first.

"Teacher Kato, would you like to join us for dinner tonight?" Teacher Ayase of Class 3-2 called her.

Himari lightly shook her head, "I'm sorry. I have yet to finish cleaning my new apartment. I'll take a rain check."

"Hehe, alright, we'll go now," Teacher Ayase took her bag and waved at Himari, "Don't go back too late."

"Be careful on your way back," Teacher Shoda said with a smile.

Soon, Himari was left alone as one by one, the teachers left.

Once she put all of the unmarked papers inside her tote bag, Himari got ready to leave.

The school was deserted as all of the students and the staff went home.

"See you tomorrow, Teacher Kato," The kind security guard greeted her as she walked past the gate.

"See you tomorrow," Himari waved back at him. Then, from the corner of her eyes, she saw two children were sitting in a pavilion near the gate.

Their faces were obscured due to the lattice wall of the pavilion. One of them was in an elementary school uniform while the other dressed in a kindergarten uniform.

"Where are their parents?" Himari felt weird to see them since the other students had gone back home.

"Ah, they are siblings," The guard gave him a reassuring smile, "Someone will come to pick them up. Don't worry, Teacher Kato. I'll keep an eye on them."

"Okay... Thank you for your hard work."

Although it was rare, sometimes when the parents or guardians were too busy, the students had to wait longer before they went home. The guard would verify the identity of the parents so Himari knew she shouldn't worry much.

She just had to walk for fifteen minutes for her to arrive at the new apartment. As the sun was setting, her shadow was stretched out on the paved road.

Halfway of the road leading to the main road, Himari stood under a tree. With a slight tilt of her chin, she looked up. Her eyes fell on the sky that was covered by the long branches and green leaves of the trees.

It was so beautiful...

There were so many things to enjoy in life, either big or small.

Even the smallest one could give you deep pleasure.

That was what she learned the more she grew up.

Himari took out her phone. She opened the camera app and focused the lens on the sky. The intertwining of light and shadow above her made her felt her surroundings were surreal.

Kacha.

The photo was uploaded to the messaging app. She wrote a caption alongside the photo.

'May the afterglow of the sun lights up the dark sky of your night'

Himari raised up both of her hands. She let out a contented sigh as she stretched out her limbs.

"Alright, time to clean the house."

As Himari continued walking, a dark gray car entered from the intersection of the main road. Its speed was steady as the driver was heading to the school. A man was driving with one hand rested on the windowsill.

His lips drew into a faint smile as he spoke to the caller via the Bluetooth speaker.

"Uncle~ Chiharu is hungry, where are you?" A sweet voice of a young girl echoed in the car.

"Be good, Uncle will be there, real soon," The man chuckled softly, "Tell your brother we're going to his favorite restaurant. Aunt Mayu has to go home early tonight."

"Big Brother, do you hear that? Hehe, Chiharu wants to eat..."

The little girl began listing down all the food she wanted. At the same time, the man's eyes drifted to the outside of the window. His eyes fell on a young lady walking on the pedestrian trip.

She must be one of the teachers, he thought.

His eyes returned back to the road ahead of him. He was getting nearer and nearer to the school gate.

"Okay. Uncle's here already. Come out now."

"Yayy!"

Soon, two figures of children ran out of the pavilion.