18
Dominic’s persistence was staggering.
My words seemed to have no effect on him.
Without shame, he settled in the village, even pretending to teach the kids.
I didn’t bother calling Mr. Blackwell.
2:36 PM
<
I knew Dominic wouldn’t stay if his grandfather didn’t approve.
Still, the thought of leaving crossed my mind.
But after spending so much time with the kids, I couldn’t bear to leave them.
Their bright smiles and sweet voices calling me “Teacher Audrey” filled my heart.
So I resolved to ignore Dominic as best as I could.
Fortunately, the situation didn’t last long.
The school building wasn’t finished yet, so we used an old, decrepit structure as a makeshift classroom.
Heavy rains weakened the roof, and one day, the beams collapsed.
Dominic shielded me with his body just in time.
Thankfully, the kids hadn’t arrived yet, so he was the only one hurt.
With a fractured arm, Dominic had no choice but to leave for proper treatment.
I refused to accompany him and persuaded him not to return.
“Dominic, can’t we just part on good terms? Must you push me to relocate again?”
His presence disrupted not just me but also the children.
He spoke of corporate maneuvering and social strategies at dinner tables to kids who hadn’t even left the mountains.
“They’ll need to learn these things someday,” he argued, “just like I did.”
“But they’re not you,” I snapped.
“They haven’t even seen the world beyond these hills.
“All you’re doing is making me despise you more.”
Dominic was silent for a long time, staring at the ground.
When he finally spoke, his voice was barely audible.
“I understand.”
