“Felix dear, are you sure you want the pink T-shirt? They also have white and grey you know?”

“Yes mom, I know. But I like the pink one better.”

Kira sighed and then smiled down at her son. The boy, who would soon be going to middle school, reminded her so much of his father. Striking black hair, gentle brown eyes, a smile that could provide the country with enough energy to last a year… She had to choke back a sob as memories threatened to spin out of control.

“Mom, are you okay?”

The brunette nodded. “I’m fine, Felix. Come, let’s pay for your new clothes!”

* * * *

“Allright class, let’s start with introductions!” The teacher, Miss Evaline, announced, looking at the nervous faces in front of her. First days were always something, some kids started making friends right off the bat and others took a while to get comfortable in a new environment.

She looked at the list of names that she would have for homeroom class this year and called everyones’ names. She gave each of them some time for introductions. Everything went well so far, then she arrived at Felix Green.

“Felix?” Her eyes flitted to the dark-haired boy wearing a pink shirt, who raised his hand. “Would you like to introduce yourself?”

He nodded, eager to tell about himself. They always were, even the nervous ones.

“I’m Felix, I’m eleven years old and live with my mom. We have a dog named Mimi and my favourite color is pink.”

Some boys in the back started to snicker and she shushed them instantly. She could already sense some trouble coming up, and she hoped those rascals would be mild. Otherwise she would be having a tough year.

She went on with the lesson, and soon the bell rang and the kids disappeared through the door. A sigh escaped he mouth. But before she could prepare for the next class, a scream coming from the hallway, echoed through the building.

Hurriedly she got up and reached the classroom’s doorway, just in time to see Felix laying on the ground, with the troublesome students from before standing around him. They were watching the smaller boy like vultures.

“BOYS!” She boomed, three pairs of eyes now looking like deer caught in headlights. Evaline broke through the small circle and pulled Felix back up on his feet.

“You three, go to the principal.”

“But Miss...”

“No buts! Now!”

The students scampered off. Felix’s face was tear-streaked when he looked up at his teacher. She procured a handkerchief from her blazer for him to dry his eyes with. She waited until his breathing had evened out  again before speaking.

“What happened, Felix?”

“Those boys pushed me,” The boy sniffled, “Saying mean things about me because of my shirt!”

Evaline guided her student back to the classroom and sat him down on a chair. The boy needed someone to cheer him up, especially as this was just his first day.

She wrote a quick note that she taped on the door stating class was canceled for the next group, and then sat down at her desk, opposite of Felix. She then fished a thermos bottle from the bottom of her backpack. 

“Would you like some tea?”

Felix nodded and carefully watched as the woman poured him a cup. Evaline handed him the hot drink and smiled gently.

“Felix, there will always be people that will be… not so nice in life,” She tried to explain, “But remember, there will also be people who will support you no matter what. Come to me if those boys ever try to do something again, okay?”

She watched as he nodded, now with a little smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Now, go on to your next class. I’ll write you a note explaining the situation so you can hand it to your teacher. You have Mr. Morrison next, right? He’ll understand, so don’t worry too much.”

Felix nodded once more and then left for the door.

“Thank you, Miss.”

Evaline smiled. “No problem, dear.”

She watched him slip through the doorway and then sighed. Yep, this was going to be a tough year. But she couldn’t just watch and do nothing. No, those kids deserved to grow up in a save environment, something she herself didn't experience in her childhood. That's why she wouldn’t let anyone get away with bullying anymore, not when she could prevent it.