Some opinions changed because of arguments.
The best ones changed because someone was willing to listen.
Monday morning arrived beneath a sky of pale autumn blue.
Westwood High greeted another week with its familiar rhythm.
Students hurried toward their classrooms.
The Reading Corner welcomed its earliest visitors.
The Hope Tree rustled softly beside the First Chapter Bench.
Everything looked exactly as it always had.
Until a new face stopped beside the bench.
---
The man wore a navy suit and carried a clipboard beneath one arm.
His expression remained thoughtful as he watched several students reading quietly before first period.
The librarian noticed him immediately.
"Good morning, Vice Principal Brooks."
He nodded politely.
"Good morning."
His eyes never left the bench.
