By Helen Ksypka
On the first day of fourth grade, merriment ceased when she entered the classroom.
A man-sized nun with a mastiff neck bulging from her collar marched to her desk like a marine sergeant. Her eyes peering, she slammed her fist on her desk and bellowed, “I am Sister Justilla. I demand respect.”
Fearlessly, Lynnette joked aloud, “Whoa, Justilla the Killa.”
Laughter erupted but halted when screams stunned the students. Sister Justilla yanked Lynnette from her chair, repeatedly punching the girl’s back, pounding the impertinence out of her.
No teaching of the Lord, English, or math today.
Just one lesson learned: conformity.
What a interesting moment!
Sister Justilla had a strong description; very visual impacting.
Well made connection between respect – obedience – conformity in contrast with mirth – laughter – youth;
Those dang nuns, amiright? Humorous and mortifying, a micro-fiction that has it all. Brilliant work.
wonderful. love it!
I’m surprised some commenters find this to be humorous.
You’ve made me thankful i had public education! Bit of a horror story isn’t it? Hope this wasn’t memoir.
Powerful stuff. Unfortunately things like this happened a lot. Does it still I wonder? The only amusing bit was “Justilla the killa”