My teacher mocked me for my torn clothes—the next day, a stranger was waiting for me after school.
I kept my eyes on the floor as I walked into class, hoping—begging—not to be noticed. The tear in my hoodie, the soles of my shoes barely hanging on… it all felt like a spotlight was aimed directly at me. But of course, I wasn’t that lucky. “Excuse me,” the teacher said, arms crossed. Her…