"Students, since today we got a new classmate, I think we should each introduce ourselves to her. My name is Mrs. Williams and I am happy to be your teacher this year. I am married and have a three-year-old son named Mike. My husband is studying to be a doctor. Let's start here on the front row, and each of you can tell Cindy about yourself."

The students stood up and spoke one by one. I noticed Cindy started breathing deeply. She shrank down in her chair until her neck rested on the cold metal of the chair back and her knees bumped the underside of her desk.

When it was her turn to speak, Cindy did not stand up. Every head in the room turned and looked curiously in her direction. Suddenly a boy named Joel broke out: "She has nothing to say! She must be tongue-tied." Cindy started sobbing into her shoulder.

I stood up and said: "Let's be nice to the newcomer. She's just a little bit shy. We'll know her very soon."

The class began. I tore out a page from my notebook and wrote a note to her: "Don't worry about that Joel, I will teach him a lesson today." She read the note and ignored me. I then wrote another sentence: "He will apologize to you tomorrow when he comes back." She still disregarded it.

I handed to her another note written: "Multiple choice. By today sunset, I will give Joel a bump. Please pick an answer from below:  (A) his forehead    (B) his eyebrow    (C) his jaw    (D) other place you want, please specify ________."

She finally looked up at me.

"Can I be your friend?" I said.

She smiled.

From that moment on
our friendship did start
I kissed away your tears
and sheltered your heart