Her Return

""Teacher Melissa?" Zara asked, though it sounded more like a question than a statement.

The voice on the other end sighed, gentle yet firm. "You recognize my voice so easily, but why does it take you so long to recognize your talent?"

Zara let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. No reason to panic. Just Melissa.

"Teacher, I already made up my mind to start today," she explained, shifting in her seat. "But how did you even get my number?"

Silence stretched for a beat too long.

Then Melissa's voice softened, "I care about you, Zara. That's why I had to find a way to contact you."

Something about her words should have made Zara pause, but instead, warmth spread through her chest. Melissa had always been like this—determined, relentless when she believed in someone.

"Alright," Zara murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll be there."

"Six o'clock. Don't be late," Melissa reminded before hanging up.