Oh my God. The youth of today are so unruly!
Mariely thought as she walked back to the faculty room.

It was recess time. She sat down and began thinking of a solid plan—rules that would guide her students without making them feel trapped.

“Faith, are you okay?” Veron asked as she organized her things and took a seat nearby.

Mariely sighed, resting her chin on her hand.
“I’m fine. I won’t give up on those naughty kids,” she said with a grin. “I’m a fighter. I never back down.”

Veron laughed.

“But how do I make rules without making them feel suffocated?” Mariely asked, exhaling deeply.

Veron patted her back. “You’ll figure it out. You’ll make rules that are fair and actually help them,” she said with a wink.

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of recess.

“Let’s go together,” Veron said. “Are you handling the Pilot Section now?”

Mariely nodded, and they walked toward their classrooms.

As soon as she entered the Pilot Section, the students immediately quieted down and returned to their seats.

Mariely took a deep breath. The students watched her closely. Clearing her throat, she smiled. Some smiled back.

She introduced herself properly and began learning their names one by one. To break the ice, she led a simple activity—something light, something human.

Slowly, the tension eased.

*****

Nathan noticed his younger sister hunched over her desk, writing and sighing repeatedly. He approached quietly.

“Hey,” he greeted, kissing her forehead. “My youngest looks busy.”

“Brother,” Mariely smiled. She went back to writing, resting her chin on her hand.

Nathan sat beside her. “So? Tell your brother about your first day at work.”

She pouted.

“Oh?” he chuckled. “That pout tells me everything.”

Mariely scratched her head.

“Too many lesson plans?” he guessed. “Instructional materials?”

“Neither!” she said with a frown.

“Oh. Then just tell me.”

“Well…” she hesitated. “I was assigned as adviser for the last section. The students are really naughty. They were even fighting earlier—one got injured.”

Nathan raised an eyebrow. Kids these days really are something else, he thought.

“And they were placing bets on when I’d resign,” she added, shaking her head.

“You should resign,” Nathan said seriously.

“Brother!” she stared at him. “Are you joking?”

“I’m not.” His voice softened. “If they’re that unruly, you might get into trouble. Teaching isn’t easy—it’s your responsibility to protect them and yourself.”

What he didn’t say was this:
I just want you safe.

Nathan had opposed her decision to become a teacher back when she was still in college. But Mariely had begged—had fought for her dream. In the end, he and their parents gave in and supported her wholeheartedly.

“I can do it,” she said brightly, pulling him back to the present. “I chose this profession. I’ll guide them—especially the ones who need it most.”

Nathan sighed, then ruffled her hair. “If you ever need help, I’m here.”

“Don’t be too nice,” he added. “They might take advantage of you.”

She laughed. “Relax, brother. I’m a strict teacher.”

He laughed with her.

“So, what are you working on?” he asked.

“Classroom rules,” she replied. “Rules that help them grow without feeling suffocated—and treat everyone equally.”

“Wait here,” Nathan said. “I’ll change and help you.”

True to his word, he returned and worked with her.

Mariely knew her brother was overprotective—but he was also her strongest pillar. No matter what, he always stood beside her.

When they finished, she smiled gratefully.

“Thank you, brother.”

“Anytime. Now sleep—you have work tomorrow.”

She nodded immediately.

****

The next morning, Nathan drove her to school.

“Bye, brother!” she said as she stepped out.

“Take care,” he replied.

She smiled, knowing he wouldn’t leave until she was safely inside.

Inside the faculty room, she began organizing her things.

“Ohhh, your boyfriend dropped you off?” Veron teased.

“Boyfriend, my foot!” Mariely laughed. “That’s my older brother.”

“Really?” Veron grinned. “He’s handsome. Is he single?”

“Nope. He’s engaged,” Mariely replied, enjoying Veron’s shocked expression.

Then she noticed something on her desk.

Her brother’s ID.

“Wait—I’ll return this,” she said, grabbing it.

Veron nodded.

Maybe he hasn’t left yet, Mariely thought as she hurried toward the gate.

He was still there—talking to a man whose back was turned to her.

“Brother!” she called as she approached.

“You forgot your ID,” she said, slightly out of breath.

“So she’s your sister, Nathan,” the man said.

Mariely looked up—and recognition flickered.

Isn’t he… the man from yesterday?

She froze.

Does my brother know him?