Perfect Morning

Sarah walked through the bright corridors of Maple Elementary, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. The murals of dragons and castles seemed to smile at her as she passed.

"Sarah!" Her best friend Emma caught up, slightly out of breath. "Did you finish the math homework?"

"Of course," Sarah laughed, adjusting her pink backpack. "Want to copy it before class?"

Emma's face lit up. "You're the best!"

They headed toward their lockers, passing groups of chattering students. Sarah waved at nearly everyone - she knew most kids in their grade.

"Oh, there's Ernie," Emma pointed down the hall.

Sarah's boyfriend stood by the water fountain, his messy brown hair falling over his eyes. He looked up and smiled when he saw her.

"Hey beautiful," Ernie said, giving her a quick hug.

Sarah felt butterflies in her stomach. Dating was still new and exciting.

"Ready for another amazing day?" she asked, linking arms with him.

"With you? Always," Ernie grinned.

The Water Fountain Discovery

As they walked toward their first class, Sarah noticed Emma kept glancing around nervously.

"What's wrong?" Sarah asked, adjusting her pink headband.

Emma pulled out her phone and showed Sarah a photo. "I took this yesterday after school. Look."

Sarah's heart sank. The picture showed Ernie behind the gym with May, a quiet girl from their class. They were holding hands and laughing together.

"Emma, this can't be real," Sarah whispered, staring at the screen.

"I'm sorry, Sarah. I had to show you."

Sarah felt her cheeks burn. She marched straight to Ernie's locker, Emma trailing behind.

"Ernie!" Sarah called out, her voice shaking.

He turned around with his usual smile. "Hey, what's up?"

"Don't 'what's up' me! Emma saw you with May yesterday!"

Ernie's face went pale, then angry. "So what if I was? You're always busy with your perfect grades and perfect friends. Maybe I wanted someone who actually pays attention to me!"

Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "We're done, Ernie. Completely done."

She turned and walked away, ignoring his calls after her.