He looks at the door as I quickly lay out the books.
"Should I leave?" he asks, voice clipped, almost defensive.
"No, you don't have to leave. You are literate, right?"
He nods slowly.
"Then… Do you want to help teach?"
He freezes, eyes darting to the floor. "I have never taught anyone before."
I smile. "Then it'll be an adventure for both of us. Don't worry too much, I'm right here for you."
He presses his fingertips against his eyes, exhales, then clenches a fist. "I am ready for the mission."
I almost correct him—that this isn't a mission—but stop myself. Right now, all that matters are the lessons.
I rush to the door and pull it open. "Welcome in, everyone! Lessons begin now!"
The flood of students pours in. Kaelith stands there awkwardly, smiling too hard, waving like he's never interacted with people before. I can't help but giggle. I've never seen him so nervous.
The lessons begin.
To my surprise, everyone naturally drifts toward Kaelith—especially the kids. They don't see new faces often. Instead of the writing exercises I'd planned, he sits down, grabs a piece of chalk, and begins sketching a world map across the chalkboard beneath the cabinet, next to the cabinet bookshelves littered with books. Guests are allowed to read them while here, of course, but today they won't be used. The lines are sharp, practiced—perfect. But for some reason he hesitates, his chalk hovering in the center of masses of what I assume to be land. His hand becomes a little shaky as he draws the center of the map.
While I help the elders, I can't help but listen in.
"Okay, kids," he says, tapping the board. "Let's see how much you know about the world."
The children's eyes light up.
He points to our home. "Let's start here—Elos. What can you tell me about your home?"
A little girl raises her hand. "We make lots of food!"
He chuckles. "That's right, but what else?"
The kids glance at each other, confused. That's all they've ever known.
"Elos," he continues, "is governed by a single leader. That person determines all trade, progress, and alliances. But… Elos has never allied with anyone. Because of that, the army isn't exactly well-trained."
One of the kids tilts his head. "What's an army?"
"Good question," Kaelith says, smiling softly. "It's a group of people who fight for the same cause."
"So… like us when we play tag?" another asks.
He nods. "That's a good way to think about it."
He points to another country on the map. "Now this—Styliveria. Elos hires many mercenaries from here. It's a warrior nation—people there are always trying to prove their strength. Their government changed recently. It used to be a king and queen. Now, the major houses rule together under… let's say, complicated circumstances."
I bring refreshments to a nearby table, then quietly move to his side. "All of you know Buttercup, right? That's her home."
The kids gasp in amazement.
I lean closer and whisper, "What are you doing?"
He whispers back, "Showing the kids the world."
Something about that hits me harder than expected. I could never give them that. I've only ever lived here in Elos. I have only ever seen Elos.
I smile, hug his arm for a moment, and walk away—taking a seat beside one of the kids. He glances at me quickly, sweat forming at his temple. I have to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing. He's… cute like this.
He clears his throat. "Monfort. A technologically advanced nation. Everything you use daily—lights, homes, even tools—likely came from them. Their ruler isn't born into power. Whoever invents the best creation becomes their leader for 2 years."
I blink. I didn't even know that about Monfort… huh? Maybe one day I should visit.
He moves on. "Now, one last place. This—Rimor." His tone lowers. "No one knows much about it. They've cut themselves off from the world, and when they do appear... it's never good news. People who go there don't come back."
The kids fall silent, and Kaelith quickly adds, "But don't worry. It's an entire ocean away. I'm sure they'll open up one day."
A small hand points to the map's center. "What's that? The storms?"
He smiles faintly. "Yes. The center of the world's ocean. For some reason, storms always gather there. Too dangerous for normal sailors. Many have tried to cross, only to turn back, lost and broken. Those who don't turn back are never heard from…again."
I step up beside him again and hug his arm gently. "Any more questions for our dear teacher today?"
It's getting late. Time to wrap things up.
A kid wearing a white scarf suddenly blurts, "Are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?"
My entire face burns red as the classroom erupts into laughter. Kaelith just looks at me—smiling. The most genuine smile I've ever seen from him.
"Oooookay thhhhen," I stammer. "That concludes today lesson! Everyone, make sure to grab a sweet on your way out, alright?"
The kids cheer and rush toward the door.
As they go, I whisper near his ear, "You were a very good teacher."
He smiles, his voice soft. "Only because I learned from your example."
He steps out with the kids, their laughter following him into the street.
And as I watch them go, I can't help but think—maybe I should have him teach again.
It's been a long time since the children smiled like that.