Chaos was inevitable. I watched them multiply in front of my eyes. My students filed in, one after another in a seemingly endless swarm of teenagers.

As they found seat, some with their friends. While others made new friends, but eventually the disorder became contained. They were all talking and I needed to take charge. I rose from behind my desk. As I walked around to be in front of my student,...

She's a student, most likely.

Teal backpack straps line her beige parka, a cozy red sweatshirt peaking through.

Turqoise joggers melt into the laces on her sneakers.

Thin strands are rolled into a loose bun a top her head, swaying back and forth to the rhythym of the subway, another entity in itself, dancing along.

Union - up, quick! Her smudged eyeliner perks up, wide eyes alert and ready to ...