She's seen dozens of graduating classes go beyond her realm. Graduate and pass off into adulthood, move from her aged classroom and to bigger and better things than what high school could offer them. If their life peaked here, it was not because of her; it was always best to encourage more than a teenage life. But watching so many settle for so little grated Cheerilee to her core.

She'd studied for years to tend to others. Her medicinal skills were perhaps not as fine as the greatest surgeon's, but she knew human anatomy. To heal wounds, to comfort terrified souls, to dispense medical knowledge that would benefit those about her; Redheart was as capable a comfort as she was a clinic, and nothing this school could bring her had managed to best her yet. But to deal with the excess of teenage stupidity and bravado when so many seemed intent on wounding themselves was despairing.

It was tired to watch the world go by, growing older alongside you. Maybe they just needed a breather, and a whispering ear.

Part One of my Christmas special. Enjoy!