(Find the first four parts here.)

“What’s happening?” Piper looked to Brian walking down the hall. He must’ve dropped his students off at their special activity for the afternoon.

Brian quickly put his arm around her shoulders. “Wow, those look amazing! I’m sure Miss Markum loves the cards you made.” He smiled down at her students. “Let’s go in the classroom.”

He ushered the students inside before turning back to Piper.

“I told you I didn’t want anyone to know.”

Brian grimaced. “I know, but it was too late. We made plans for the surprise party weeks ago. I tried to tell your team, but the wheels were already in motion.” He shrugged. “And by that I mean, someone leaked the surprise to the kids and we couldn’t shut it down.”

“But this is exactly what I was afraid of.”

Brian took her hands. “The kids didn’t spend any money on you. But they did put a lot of time and effort into this little party. Can you come inside and act thankful?”

The words were like a slap to the face, but she knew he was right. She needed to get her act together. Her students couldn’t suspect for one minute she wasn’t grateful and overjoyed at their surprise.

Piper pasted a giant grin on her face and walked into her classroom.

“Happy Birthday!” The students cheered together. Every kindergarten student, the two other teachers, and about one hundred balloons filled the classroom. 

“We made you cards!” Her kids filed up one by one to hand her colorful construction paper cards. She gave them each a hug.

“Let’s all sing to Miss Markum and then we’ll go outside for recess.” Mrs. Johnson led everyone in the “Happy Birthday” song, and then guided the students to the door. 

“I hope you don’t mind,” she said to Piper. “We borrowed your keys for just a few minutes during your prep. But I left them right on the desk where I found them”

“I’ll watch your class and give you two some time together.” Mrs. Stills gave Brian a comically large wink as she walked the last child outside. She was forever trying to push Piper and Brian into alone time, even though Piper had made her stance on PDA between teachers at an elementary school very clear.

Once the room was empty, Piper fell into her desk chair.

Slowly Brian walked toward her. “That was really nice.”

She nodded.

“It looks like you got some great cards.” He rested his hands on her desk. “Have you read any of them?”

Piper pulled the stack in front of her.

Thank you for being my teacher.

Happy Birthday

I love you.

All spelled incorrectly, of course. But still. Her eyes began to water. “I think I forgot why I love this job so much.”

Brain pulled a small seat opposite her. Even though his knees stuck out at an angle, he gazed back at her with a straight face.

“What did you say earlier? That I underestimate my students and overvalue expensive gifts?” She swiped at the corner of her eye. “What did you mean by that?”

Brian took a deep breath before answering. “I know you’re here for the right reasons. But sometimes we can forget that even the poorest students have a lot to offer the world. And we don’t always need fancy dinners or extravagant presents to celebrate a special day.”

“When I first started teaching at Ingram, I was shocked by the level of poverty.” Piper stared at the ceiling, remembering her first week and taking a bus ride through the school district with her principal. “So many of them have basically nothing at home.”

She glanced back at Brian. “But you’re right. They have more than I give them credit for. Money isn’t everything. My students are generous with their time and their love, and I could stand to learn something from them.”

“Generosity is a blessing to the giver. And everyone deserves that blessing.” Brian stood and took her hand. “Let’s go celebrate.”

“This might’ve been my best birthday party ever,” Piper said as they walked towards the playground.

“Well, don’t expect something this great every year.” Brian grinned at her.

“Oh, I definitely will. I’m going to need a surprise party with balloons and maybe some cupcakes and streamers next time.”

“Ha.” 

“Or maybe some red fruit punch. And party hats.”

“Just wait until my birthday. It’s going to be wild.”

Piper laughed and bumped his hip. If teaching was going to be like this every year, she could see herself at Ingram Elementary and with Mr. Brain Jeffries for a very long time.

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