The sun was barely up, spilling a pale light across the academy's courtyard. Mila adjusted her silver hair, tugging lightly at her sleeves as she watched her Class F students stretch and prepare for the morning exercises.
"Alright, everyone! Today we focus on stamina drills," she called out, her voice soft but firm.
Her students glanced at her, eager and sleepy-eyed, as they formed lines. Mila's gaze wandered to the horizon, her mood heavy. The memory from the previous night kept clawing at her mind, though she tried to push it away.
"Miss Mila?" one of the students piped up nervously. "You… seem a little… different today."
Mila forced a small smile, turning her gaze back to the students. "Don't worry about me. Today's about you," she said, keeping her tone light.
They began running laps, climbing over obstacles, and practicing agility drills. Mila moved with them, demonstrating techniques flawlessly, though her heart felt distant.
I shouldn't let them see me like this… she thought, feeling the familiar pull of the memories she hadn't fully regained.
A student stumbled, and Mila quickly caught him by the arm. "Focus! Use your legs, not just your strength!"
"Y-Yes, Miss Mila!" he stammered, standing taller, determination flickering in his eyes.
Her silver-blue eyes softened as she watched them push themselves. Even in her gloom, seeing their effort gave her a faint warmth.
After the stamina drills, they gathered for short sprints. Mila demonstrated, pushing herself, yet every step reminded her of the memories she didn't fully remember. Her heart ached quietly beneath her calm exterior.
"Miss Mila, are you okay?" a student whispered again.
Mila gave a small nod, "I'm fine. Now, let's continue."
The morning carried on, the students oblivious to the turmoil within their teacher. Mila's mind was elsewhere wandering, remembering fragments of a past she couldn't fully grasp, yet couldn't ignore.
As the students returned to their dorms, Mila lingered in the courtyard, staring at the training grounds she loved.
So much has changed… and yet, I feel like I'm still… missing something.