Today, my final paper came to an end,

A little more freedom, a little more time with friends.

We wandered to a lake, with no grand view,

Just four little ducks and a sky of blue.

The water was muddy, the lake far from clean,

Yet the sweetest little family swam through the scene.

No complaints about the world they knew,

Just ripples of peace as they quietly flew—

Not through the sky, but across the water,

A little family, each beside the other.

And I stood there watching, with thoughts of my own,

How even in places where beauty seems gone,

Life finds a way to be gentle and kind,

Leaving little reminders for a wandering mind.

Perhaps happiness isn't a perfect place,

Or a beautiful world with a flawless face.

Perhaps it's having your people nearby,

A little love beneath an ordinary sky.

And as we laughed, with our exams finally through,

Those four little ducks taught me something new:

You don't need a perfect world to make life sweet,

Just a little love and the ones who make you complete. 🤍

I’m Brazilian, and I’m the author of *War Zone*.
I was expelled from school at 14. Years later, I returned to the same school as a teacher.
Today, I live in the United States and work in education.
But one of the most important moments of my life was when my mom learned to read so she could finally read my book.

I haven't seen him in years but he's come back in town for a bit and we get to catch up!

We'll start with ''The Notebook''. There are five of us friends, and I think it'll be a fun way to take our minds off things 🥰

I knew she would love the new puppy that I brought her.

A+ in both classes.

So God sent rain.

"and when you wake up we can have french toast" I hear as I slowly drift to sleep

“I do.”

Then, and only then had I realized I was in my bathroom at home.

Never been happier

and smile towards the future

Her massive bear friend managed to send them all fleeing, even hopelessly pinning their leader underneath his massive rump.

The wolf smelled the beagle all over, and finally licked the beagle's head; and the beagle knew he had finally found his forever home.

(Fun note, this is a real thing that sometimes happens)

This trick saved my life and might've stopped world war three after I became a spy for MI6.

Just like I knew he would, my trusted friend caught me in the trust fall exercise.

27 years later, she is still fascinated by Ancient Egypt and studying history, inspired by the film that changed her life forever

Bella smiles and ruffles her little sister's hair "Impossible, and even if it is, we're sisters, I'm your first and forever friend, don't you forget it."

I'd forgotten as well, and we had such a good laugh that my MIL had to come into the room to ask what was so funny.

I realized things were different this time as he said, "I've got this" and then offered to call me a cab to take me home.

Gathering all her courage, carefully hard-won, she dropped to one knee and asked Sarah the scariest question.

It's a mix of emotions, obviously, I cried a lot over him, but these past few days I've been spending time remembering him and looking at his photos, and all I can think is how much I love him and that I'll never stop loving him. See you soon, buddy :)💕

Four years later, I start middle school with no bruises and mom who can stand tall without anyone chopping her down and realize I never have to be scared again.

She had her baby last year, and I didn't know she'd choose me and I'll do my very best in this role.