The Brat

By David Ross

The teacher assigned the kid with the worst reputation to the last desk, fifth row. It was nearest the hallway to the principal’s office and farthest from girls in front seats and boys in the middle.

Alphabetical order was impractical.

Colleagues had advised their fellow instructor, a bachelor, it would be the best way to handle this particular trouble maker. Their advice proved prudent. The teacher took attendance and outlined his semester Sex Ed class, which emphasized abstinence.

The antisocial student flourished a middle finger and was promptly expelled. As he stomped out, the brat shouted, “Have a good day, Dad.”