On a hectic Halloween morning, laughter and chaos filled the school auditorium — capes flying, glitter everywhere, kids proudly showing off their costumes. In the middle of all that color and noise stood Ellie, a quiet little girl dressed in plain clothes, her shoulders hunched as classmates whispered and giggled. My heart sank. As the art teacher, I had seen shy kids before, but something about her eyes — wide and frightened — made me pause. Without saying a word, I led her to the art supply closet, grabbed a few rolls of toilet paper, a red marker, and a...
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