text: Ray entered the room. He was exasperated - not because of what he saw, but because the sight didn’t surprise him. There she was - pretty, big-eyed, and red-handed. “I can’t believe you, Jane” She averted his gaze. It made her feel even guiltier. She knew she had just broken his heart. She wasn’t afraid of the big woman, but he was. She knew he was. Even though she didn’t want it, he always watched over her; made sure she didn’t do anything to incur the wrath of the big woman. She admired his efforts, and made it a point to respect his concerns. She wanted to stop getting caught like this, but she was far too gone. She was addicted. She thought she was addicted to what’s inside the box, but he knew her better - she was addicted to the thrill of breaking the rules. “You can’t even look at me, can you?” , he exclaimed. “Please, Ray, I can expla--” “Explain what? You know the rule, Jane. As long as you’re here, you can’t open the box. The big woman will find out” “I know. But I can’t help it. I’ve held off for too long. I need it Ray; I need it right now” “Don’t be a baby”, he scolded. “I don’t care what you call me. I know what’s best for me. I’m opening the box” “You’re begging for trouble. If you get caught, you’ll--” Ray froze, as he heard the footsteps. This was it. They were busted. Jane started crying. “I’m sorry Ray. I didn’t mean for you to get in trouble. I’m really sorry” The door creaked open, and the big woman entered the room. The couple was holding on for dear life. Jane’s sobs faded away in fear, leaving a grave silence in their wake. The big woman stared at them, her eyes burning through theirs. They stood in front of her, defenseless and vulnerable, waiting for the worst. And then, all of a sudden, the silence died. “I made her do it. Let her go” Silence again. Jane suppressed a fresh wave of sobs, while the big woman suppressed a smile. The big women were known for their cruelty, and this one was no different. However, despite her natural instinct, this act of nobility by Ray moved her heart. “This is your last warning. Don’t let me catch you in here again. Now take your boxes and leave” she said, with contempt boiling in her words. The couple scurried off the room. “We got lucky, Jane” “You took the blame. I can’t believe you took the blame” “I’ll do anything for you, you know” “I love you too, Ray” The big woman watched as they confessed their feeling on their way out. “Just don’t do it again, Jane. You know the rule. Say it” “We don’t open our lunchboxes in the classroom; only in the cafeteria”, she said, to satisfy him. “Remember it next time”, he sighed in relief. The big woman finally let out the smile, as the 5-year-olds ran into the cafeteria. “Ah, to be young and in love”, she sighed. After all, she wasn’t always a teacher. Once upon a time, she too, was a kindergartner.