She thought she was just picking up paperwork. The school secretary had said, “Just a few forms to sign—nothing big.” She almost didn’t go.
Months had passed since she left. Cancer treatments had replaced classrooms, and walking those halls again felt like reopening a wound. Still, something nudged her. So she went.
As she turned the corner, she froze. Dozens of former students stood waiting—some in college sweatshirts, others with toddlers or signs, all with tears in their eyes. A banner read: Welcome Home, Ms. Carter.
Someone had recreated her bulletin board. Her favorite tea was waiting. Then came music—an old student singing their school play’s theme song. Others joined in, and Ms. Carter collapsed to her knees in tears—not from pain, but from overwhelming love.