Restore My Hearing and My Heart novel Chapter 7

Over time, this place felt more like a prison. According to Hansel, I was the only person in seven years who had voluntarily chosen to come here.

When I heard that, I felt a sudden pang of guilt. I hadn't come purely to teach; I was just looking for a place far away from Jackson and Bonnie.

When I followed Hansel to the school, I found the reality far harsher than I had imagined. The classroom blackboard was a massive stone fixed in place with wooden stakes. Nearby lay pieces of charcoal, used to write on the stone.

The classroom itself was nothing more than a small, drafty wooden shack.

A few raggedly dressed children sat on the ground, while an elderly teacher wobbled at the front. Even when he tried his hardest, he could only leave faint marks on the stone blackboard.

"Their parents are busy every day, so they can only leave their kids here to study during the daytime. Only in the evenings do they take them home," Hansel explained.

"I know some people choose to participate in this program to add a line to their resume, but here, even sticking it out is a challenge."

This place was less a school and more like a daycare center. For a moment, I even thought about giving up, but I ultimately decided to stay.

Facing the children's timid eyes, I slowly walked to the blackboard. I picked up a piece of charcoal and wrote my name on the stone.

"My name is Quinn Miller—with double 'N,' double 'L,' and no, I'm not the Queen," I said. "From now on, I'll be your teacher. So, can anyone tell me what my name is?"

I looked at the kids with encouragement, knowing that learning itself wasn't the hardest challenge. It was the fear in their eyes, the insecurity from being turned away so many times.

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