Elsie red at him, her eyes teary and red, as if they were dew-soaked.


    Elvis tilted his head, grinning mischievously, tapping his lips with a fingertip. Suddenly, his expression turned serious, and he swiftly looked over his shoulder. The ssroom''s front and back doors were crowded with giggling kids watching the spectacle, their cute little heads peeking out in a row from top to bottom, creating a rather funny scene.


    They had to keep quiet, or else, it would have turned into a real ruckus.


    "Jerk!"


    Elsie''s face turned crimson, pushing him away forcefully before quickly slipping past him, herding the kids back to their desks.


    To Elvis, however, that "Jerk" sounded more like yful banter. His smile deepened, clearly enjoying the moment.


    Elsie calmed the kids down and returned to her lectern.


    Looking up again, she found Elvis shamelessly pulling up a chair, sitting at an empty desk in thest row of the ssroom. He crossed his arms on the desk, blinking at her with bright eyes, looking every bit the obedient student.


    Elsie felt her heart flutter uncontrobly, took a deep breath, and somehow managed to finish the lesson.


    After ss, the kids collected gifts from her, leaving the ssroom happy and content.


    Only Elvis remained, sitting there, resting his chin on his hands, smiling warmly at her.


    Elsie pursed her lips, holding her breath as she approached him.


    Before she could scold him, he extended his long, dry hand, opening his palm toward her expectantly,


    "Ms. Archer, what about mine?"


    "There''s nothing for you." Elsie''s eyshes fluttered.


    "Aw? Ms. Archer, that''s not fair." Elvis'' face fell, looking as though his ears were drooping.


    Elsie''s heart raced, she bit her lip, slowly pulling out a small bunny plush keychain from her shirt pocket.


    "Lucky you. It''s thest one."


    Elvis looked at the bunny, then at her.


    Kind of simr.


    Seeing him not taking it, Elsie, feeling embarrassed, retracted her hand, "Besides, what haven''t you seen, Elvis? Why would you want this?"


    Suddenly, he grabbed her hand firmly.


    Elsie''s fingertips sweat slightly, her cheeks flushed as he carefully took the bunny from her hand.


    "I do want it. It''s a keepsake from you." Elvis tucked it into his chest, patting it as if securing a treasure, "Thanks, Ms. Archer."


    "I''ve got things to doter, can''t deal with you. You better head home."


    With that, Elsie lowered her gaze, turning to leave.


    "Ms. Archer."


    Elvis called out with a smile, "Your signnguage is really good. Teach me, will you? Just one phrase."


    Elsie steadied her breath, turning to face him.


    She looked into his sparkling eyes, her expression serious.


    Elvis saw her raise her hand, first pointing at her chest with her left, then raising


    her left thumb, while her right hand''s fingers came together, brushing against the thumb.


    Finally, her delicate fingertips pointed at him.


    It was a simple gesture, but Elvis was mesmerized.


    Though silent, he felt it was the most beautifulnguage.


    Elsie lowered her hand, "That''s it."


    "That''s it? So short?"


    "You wouldn''t remember if it was longer. One step at a time."


    Elvis, puzzled, asked, "What does it mean?"


    "I won''t tell you."


    Without another word, Elsie quickly headed towards the ssroom door.


    "Hey, hey, you didn''t teach me something rude, did you?"


    Before Elvis could get an answer, Elsie''s graceful figure had already vanished from his sight.


    He sat there for a while, then carefully took out the bunny from his chest, caressing it in his palm, his eyes filled with joy.