When the school's grumpiest teacher starts smiling on a Monday morning, Mariam knows something is very wrong. Follow this charming high school mystery as a curious student discovers that even the toughest teachers have a sweet, hidden side. It is a lighthearted tale about curiosity, school life, and the little things that get us through the week.
There was something wrong about a teacher smiling on a Monday morning at Honeywood Bay High School. Students dragged their feet with AirPods stuffed in their ears. Mariam had the same energy, looking tired as she walked through the halls trying to get to her first period class. However, she noticed Miss Amara sneaking into the janitor’s closet as she passed by, looking like she was committing a crime. She of course got a bit curious, but didn’t feel like getting lectured early in the morning, so she just continued walking. The day went by and Miss Amara had been seen walking into the closet multiple times. She was also unusually happy today, which was weird because she was usually ready to bite everyone’s head off just for looking at her. Many said it’s because the last P.E. teacher rejected her, but anyways. It was now lunch break, and Mariam was walking with her friend, trying to find a spot to sit and eat. “Hey, have you seen Miss Amara?” Mariam asked her friend. “Not since Math class. She was so happy, that she didn’t even give us homework!” She replied. “No homework? From her? Something is wrong.” Mariam squinted at her friend. “Maybe she found happiness” Her friend shrugged. “Miss Amara? Happiness?” Mariam laughed. “That’s funny.” As her friend walked ahead, Mariam slowed down, glancing back at the janitor’s closet. The image of Miss Amara sneaking in earlier replayed in her mind. “Okay… just a quick look,” she muttered. She turned around and walked back. Standing in front of the door, she hesitated for a second before slowly opening it. The door creaked open, and Mariam froze. Piles of snacks covered the floor. Chips, cookies, candy bars, it looked like a mini store had been dumped into the closet. “What-” “WHAT are you doing?!” Mariam jumped and spun around. Miss Amara stood behind her, looking completely shocked. “I was just-” Mariam stuttered. “This is a janitor’s closet! Why are you here?” Miss Amara quickly stepped in front of the snacks. “But Miss… there are snacks-” Mariam tried to defend herself. “Out!” she said, pushing Mariam back into the hallway. “Students are not allowed in here!” Before Mariam could react, Miss Amara slammed the door shut behind her. Mariam stood there for a moment, staring at the door. “Okay, maybe I shouldn’t assume the worst,” she muttered. “But that was definitely weird.” When she rejoined her friend, she just sighed. “Everything okay?” her friend asked. “Yeah… I just learned that some secrets are better left alone.” Mariam shrugged.
