Noticing that after her mother-in-law’s visit to the cottage, the dog was growling at the garden beds, Emily, amidst her husband’s chuckles, decided to weed them. But digging deeper, she froze in shock at what she uncovered… 

They ate breakfast in silence. James rushed to work, Emily prepared for school. As they left, Max followed them to the gate.

The dog whined, sensing tension. They’d only visit him every few days with food until the next weekend at the cottage.
“Poor thing, missing us?” Emily said, petting him. Max licked her hand. The drive to town was quiet.

James was lost in thought. Emily stared out the window, avoiding his gaze. Anger and hurt grew inside her.

James broke the silence.
“How’s school going?”
“Fine,” Emily replied, keeping her voice steady.

The conversation died. She sighed, wanting to scream but holding back, not ready for an awkward car talk.

At the school, Emily got out quickly.
“See you tonight,” she said, heading to the gates. James didn’t look her way.

Her students awaited—lively, cheerful kids she believed would become geniuses, athletes, or simply good people. She loved her job and her students.

She poured her knowledge and values into them, teaching kindness, fairness, love. Today, they greeted her with joyful shouts and hugs. Emily forced a smile despite her heavy heart.
“Mrs. Emily, are we drawing today?” asked little Tim, tugging her sleeve.
“We sure are,” she replied, smiling.
“Mrs. Emily, Ethan’s sitting alone again,” whispered Lily, pointing to a corner desk.

Emily sighed. Ethan, the new kid, had joined a week ago and struggled to fit in, despite coming from a decent family.

Quiet, shy, and a bit odd, he was shunned and teased. Emily felt a special fondness for him.

She saw her own vulnerability and loneliness in him. She approached his desk.
“Hey, Ethan, how’s it going?” she asked, sitting beside him.

He flinched and looked up with scared eyes.
“Hi, Mrs. Emily, I’m okay.”
“Something wrong?” she asked, noticing his mood. Ethan shook his head.
“Someone bothering you?” she pressed, suspecting the truth. He shook his head again, but his eyes betrayed him.
“Don’t be afraid, you can tell me,” Emily said, taking his hand.

He hesitated, then whispered:
“They’re teasing me.”
“Who’s teasing you?” she asked.
“Everyone,” Ethan said. “They say I’m weird. You know I like building stuff—models, remote-control cars. I even go to a special club.”
Emily hugged him.
“That’s awesome, Ethan. Don’t listen to them. You’re a great kid, just as good as anyone. You love building, others like sports or math.”
“But they still don’t like me,” he whispered, wiping tears.
“They just don’t know you yet,” Emily said. “I know you’re kind and smart, and they’ll see it too.”
She stood and addressed the class.
“Kids, come here,” she said. They gathered. “I need to talk about something.”

“We have a new student, Ethan, and I’ve noticed you’re not being kind to him. You tease and upset him.” The kids looked down.
“That’s not right,” she continued. “Ethan’s like you, just a bit shy. He needs time to settle in. Be kinder, try to be his friend, and you’ll see how great he is.”
She looked at Ethan.
“Ethan, come here.”
He approached hesitantly. She put an arm around him.
“Let’s all say, ‘Hi, Ethan!’”
The class echoed her, and a shy smile spread across Ethan’s face. Emily felt a weight lift.

She knew one talk wouldn’t fix everything, but it was a start. The kids’ attitude toward Ethan shifted slightly. They were more attentive, invited him to play, helped with tasks, and chatted.

Emily was glad to see Ethan smile more. She’d done something good, giving her strength to face her pain.

The workday dragged. Emily taught mechanically, trying not to think about the video. During a break, amid classroom noise, she slipped to the teachers’ lounge and called Margaret.
“Hello, Margaret, it’s Emily,” she said, voice trembling.
“Hi, Emily, is something wrong?” Margaret sounded concerned.
“Margaret, I need to ask you something about the cottage…”

She faltered.
“Of course, what’s wrong?” Margaret asked.
“Yesterday, after you left, Max started digging. I found a box with a disc inside.”
Emily spoke haltingly, controlling her emotions. Silence followed.
“Emily, what are you talking about? What box? I’m confused,” Margaret finally said, her voice tense.
“Please don’t pretend. I know you hid it. The disc has a video of James and…”
Emily couldn’t finish. Tears welled up.
“Emily, listen carefully. I didn’t hide anything and have no idea about any box,” Margaret said firmly.
“Max never dug before and started right after you left. You’re the only one who could’ve hidden it,” Emily snapped, raising her voice.
Silence again. As Emily was about to hang up, Margaret spoke, her voice cautious.
“Alright, I’ll tell you the truth. I know about the disc. Someone sent it to me.”
“Sent it? Who?” Emily doubted.
“I don’t know. An anonymous letter in my mailbox with the disc and a note saying it’s proof of James’s infidelity. I was shocked, didn’t know what to do, didn’t want to hurt you, but I couldn’t stay silent. I feared it could ruin your family.”..