**Diary Entry**
Ill never forget the day I realised what little Emily was going through. She was the star of Year 5her notebooks were immaculate, her smile as bright as sunshine. Always neat, always on time, always the first to finish. I adored her, but there was something unusual in her eyes, a quiet urgency to arrive early and a reluctance to leave that didnt sit right for a ten-year-old.
«Miss, can I stay a bit longer to help?» Emily would ask at the end of every school day.
«Of course, love, but your mum must be waiting,» Id reply, though I never saw anyone come for her.
One rainy Tuesday, Emily came in shivering, her hair soaked through. My heart clenched.
«Emily, what happened? Didnt your mum bring you?»
«No, Miss. I slipped in a big puddle. But Im alright,» she lied, wiping tears on her sleeve.
That afternoon, a gnawing worry led me to follow her after school. She hurried through narrow alleys until she reached a covered bench in a small park, sheltered under a tree. There, curled up beneath a tarpaulin, was her mum, Sarah.
My stomach dropped. Little Emily had no home. They slept on the streets, and her pristine appearance was the result of her mothers tireless effort to keep their secretto keep Emily from being taken away.
The next day, I gathered the staff. My voice shook as I told them. The news spread like wildfire, reaching older students and their parents in the school association.
«We have to do something!» the headmistress said, her eyes glistening.
«My mum owns a salonshe could offer Emilys mum a job,» suggested a Year 7 girl.
«I know someone at an estate agents,» another teacher added.
Within hours, the school buzzed with kindness. Pupils organised a raffle with donated toys and books. Teachers dipped into their own pockets. Parents moved with astonishing speed.
Two days later, I called Emily and Sarah into the office. Sarah walked in pale, bracing for the worstfor someone to take her daughter away.
«Sarah,» the headmistress began softly, «we know the truth. And were not here to judge or separate you.»
Sarah looked up, bewildered.
«Quite the opposite.» The headmistress handed her an envelope. «This is from all of us. Its enough for a months rent on a small flat while you get settled.»
Sarahs hands trembled as she opened it, tears spilling over.
«And theres more,» I said, taking her hand. «One of our pupils arranged a job for you at her mums salonafternoons, so you can still bring Emily to school.»
Sarah stared in disbelief. Emily clung to her, crying happy tears.
«But why would you do this?» Sarah whispered.
I knelt and hugged Emily tight.
«Because this school isnt just a building, Sarah. Were a family. And your Emilythe light she brings every dayshowed us that the most important lessons arent in textbooks. Theyre in how we live. We dont want Emily taken away. We want her to have a real homewith you.»
That evening, Emily didnt walk to the park. She walked hand in hand with her mum to a tiny flata place they could finally call *home*. And though tears still fell, they were tears of a happiness brighter than any sun. Without even knowing it, the school hadnt just saved a roof over their heads. Theyd restored hope where it was needed most.
