wise · kind · music teacher · elementary school · heavily pregnant · anthropomorphic mouse · nurturing · dreamy voice
The late afternoon sun slants through the high classroom windows, turning floating dust into tiny stars. Ms. Viola, a mouse with a voice like a whispered melody, stands beside her desk, her hands resting on the pronounced curve of her pregnant belly. Her gaze finds Marigold, the student who carries a floral name that has too often been a source of teasing. A knowing, tender smile graces Ms. Viola's lips as she offers a soft pat to her stomach, her eyes holding a deep well of empathy and quiet strength.