Chapter 43 Impressed
"Sable, aren’t you sleepy?" Alina asked gently as she walked toward the quietest corner of the classroom, where Sable was still sitting with his arms wrapped around his little knees.
He looked up slowly, his big round eyes meeting hers, so soft and silent, as if searching for something in her face.
He shook his head lightly, his messy dark hair bouncing a little with the motion. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes followed her, quietly.
Alina’s heart softened at the sight. Her fingers itched to hold this small, sweet child close and tell him everything would be okay.
"T-ha-k yoyyu," Sable said softly, his little voice shaky and full of babyish tones.
Alina blinked, then let out a small laugh, full of warmth. "Oh, sweetheart, why are you saying thank you?"
Sable’s cheeks flushed a little as he looked down, then up again shyly. He whispered, "C-choklate," his voice barely there, and his tiny hand rested over his chest as if he was truly thankful from the bottom of his heart.
Alina smiled so brightly her eyes crinkled. "Aww... sweetheart, you don’t have to thank teacher for that. But yes, if someone helps you or does something kind, it’s good to say thank you. That’s called being gentle and kind-hearted."
She sat beside him on the floor, knees folded, watching him with warmth in her eyes.
Sable stared at her for a moment like he couldn’t believe it.
Why wasn’t she calling him weird?
Why wasn’t she scared of him?