*Esmerelda*

I glanced at myself in the mirror. Tilting my chin up slightly, I felt determination well up inside of me more strongly than ever.

This day wasn’t going to be like the last couple of Mondays. I was going to march up to the gates of the night school with my head held high and no scent of fear to be found.

This time, I was going to be ready.

I felt beautiful in the night school uniform. It included a full dark skirt and a tight-fitting blouse with a ...