Photos of kids in tears as we did princess poses (peace signs at the cheeks, hand hearts, palms cradling the chin) because to them the departure of their favorite teacher seemed sudden but it was actually four months planned and one delayed. Principal, owner, and director Katherine-teacher walked into our office while the teachers were gathered around a box of spicy chicken, eating with toothpicks. 

"Are you happy here?" 

"Yeah," I said mid-chew. 

"Okay." She left. 

"That was weird." 

Jisoo, the head teacher and my noona after I'd won a drunken (her, not me) arm wrestling match she challenged me to on Halloween, explained, "She was asking if you want to sign on for another year."

I ran out of the room.