One afternoon Sara was scolded harshly by Miss Minchin in front of all the students.
She was embarrassed and exhausted and desperately wanted to be alone with her sadness.
As she walked toward the stairs she passed Becky in the narrow and dimly lit hallway.
She could see immediately that Becky had also been crying and was also very upset.
Sara stopped even though every part of her wanted to keep walking and be alone.
She asked Becky what had happened and listened to every word with her full attention.
She offered what comfort she could before continuing slowly up the cold and dark stairs.
Kindness is always a deliberate choice we make.