Miss Sophie Hartwell's Arc

Chapter 2 of 2

Monday morning, Sophie watched her fifth grade girls test the new freedom. They had whispered all weekend about what to wear. Now they walked in tall, daring, and proud. One girl strolled down the bright corridor in peach lace underlayers worn over a thin slip. Another wore a coral bikini top with a long skirt. They paused near the tall trophy case, posing for each other. The younger students gathered at the trophy case to watch. Their eyes went wide. Sophie expected shock, maybe tears. Instead, the little ones smiled. They reached up to touch the lace. They asked when they could dress like that too. Then a teacher stepped into the hall. Her blouse hung open at the collar, and a pink lace strap showed clearly at her shoulder. She winked at Sophie. Another teacher followed, sleeves rolled, bold and bare. Sophie felt the moment settle. The bravery she expected had become ordinary. The girls were not shocking anyone. They were leading. She smiled, but a small worry pressed in. If everyone was bold already, what came next? The girls would want more. So would the teachers. Sophie would have to give it to them.