Episode 71: The Students Who Stayed

They return years later.

That’s how I measure success.

Not grades.

Not compliance.

Retention.

“…Miss Vonreichsin?”

I look up.

Three former students.

All of them… familiar.

Quiet.

Reserved.

Outsiders.

“…You didn’t change,” one says.

“…Incorrect,” I reply.

“…I refined.”

They smile.

“…You told us not to become like them,” another says.

“…And yet,” I reply,
“…you learned how to function anyway.”

“…Because of you.”

Pause.

I study them.

They’re stable.

Composed.

Still themselves.

Good.

“…Then you listened.”

“…We did.”

They hesitate.

“…Do you ever… regret it?” one asks.

“…Encouraging us to be… like this?”

“…No,” I answer immediately.

“…Why?”

I lean back slightly.

“…Because you’re not miserable.”

Silence.

They laugh.

“…Fair.”

As they leave, one turns back.

“…You saved us.”

I don’t respond.

I don’t need to.

That was never the point.