A Secret No One Knows

I've been the English teacher at this high school for five years now. Outside of these walls, I'm someone completely different, a person who finds solace in the anonymity of an adult playgroup on the internet. It's my one escape from the mundane life I lead here, where every day feels like another step closer to being just another middle-aged teacher no one remembers. Tonight was especially hard after yet another student came up to me with a request for help that felt more like a reminder of all the doors closed by this job and lifestyle. Back at home, I slipped into my alter ego's world, finding comfort in the unexpected understanding from fellow players who know exactly what it means to keep a part of yourself locked away.