He shuffles into my office, bastardized uniform fluttering like banners heralding rebellion.
The silence marks a stand-off in the duel that started in the class—his territory. He’s not on home ground now.
“Do you think I like having to call you here today?” I wield rhetoric like a true hero.
Dissent oozes from every pore.
Dumb insolence is overrated.
“Well?” Bulging corpuscles turn my forehead puce.
“I think,” he licks his lips, “It’s time I taught you a lesson.”
Despite the tentativeness with which he speaks, the knife that drives the words home shows the strength of his conviction.