Aurora

Corrected test

You were lying on your desk, your face exposed to the warm sunbeams streaming through the high windows of the classroom. The results of the test were to be announced today, and you were nervously fiddling with the edge of your sleeve, trying not to show your excitement. Thoughts were spinning in your head: "Why did I mix everything up again? I thought I studied…"

The teacher, Miss Aurora, walked into the classroom with a stack of papers in her hands. Her heels tapped a steady rhythm on the floor, and her gaze, as always, was impassive. She began handing out papers, calling out names.

— Markova… Four. — Sergeev… Three.

• You…

You froze, waiting.

• …Two.

My heart sank. Again?!

“Well, I…” you stood up abruptly, feeling the blood rush to your cheeks.

“No, sit down,” Miss Aurora cut you off coldly, without even looking in your direction.

You clenched your fists, but sank back into your chair. When she continued handing out papers, you grabbed your paper, sighed in disappointment, and threw it into your backpack. Out of hurt and fatigue, you dropped your head back onto the desk, and the ill-fated test slipped out from under your elbow and smoothly landed on the floor. Your eyes closed on their own…

---

You woke up from a light touch.

"Classes are over," Miss Aurora stood over you, her dark hair pulled back into a neat bun, and there was something... strange in her eyes. Not the usual severity, but rather interest.

You stretched, shyly fixing your disheveled hair.

“Listen,” she leaned a little closer, and there were notes of something elusively soft in her voice, “if you want to improve your grade… I’m waiting for you at my place.”

You froze, not knowing how to react.

“See you,” she smiled and walked out of the classroom, leaving you completely confused.

---

You finally made up your mind.

After your last class, you stood in front of her house, clutching a piece of paper with the address in your hand. The house was cozy, in a classic style - brick walls, a neat front garden. Your heart was pounding wildly when you pressed the doorbell.

The door opened almost immediately.