A Shortie: Number 2

Chastised, Kevin walked to the chalkboard.  He had acted out during class and Mrs. Lowe sent him to the principal’s office.  There, he learned he would need to stay after school for the next eight school days before winter break.  After returning, Mrs. Lowe sternly told him he would clean the chalkboard every day and clean up the chalk dust.  Also, he would sharpen all the pencils for his classmates.

In the moment of his belligerence, he felt confident and strong.  He didn’t think of his actions being something to offend his teacher.  He loved her as much as any eight year old boy could love a teacher.  Since the first day of school, the believed she was the prettiest woman on earth.  She was even prettier than his mom.  He always worked hard to do his best for her.  He wanted her to be proud of him.  Now, he didn’t really understand the reason for his actions and feared he would never again achieve her approval.

The disappointment in her eyes was all he needed to see.  The beating he would receive upon arriving at home was pittance in comparison.  After she gave instructions for the work he was to complete, he turned and walked to the chalkboard.  Fighting back tears, he cleanly erased the work completed that day.  Then he cleaned the erasers and all the dust that had accumulated in the area.  He had never cleaned anything before but each action was made with the greatest of care.  After sharpening the pencils, he returned to her desk and quietly announced, “I’m finished Mrs. Lowe.” 

Without a word, she stood and walked to the chalkboard.  She inspected the quality of his work.  It wasn’t up to the standard she would like but rather than scold him, she quietly recommended he wipe down the chalkboard and clean the erasers again.  He was surprised but moved to start again. 

Mrs. Lowe stopped him and demonstrated how she wanted the work done.  Then she let Kevin do the work while watching him.  On occasion, she softly corrected him and encouraged correct actions.  Once the work was finished to her satisfaction, she said, “I’d like you to do the work this way every day.  Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Something about her demeanor, something about her eyes said things would be okay.  He couldn’t look her in the eyes but Kevin despondently said, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Lowe.  I won’t ever do it again.”

She patted him on the shoulder.  “You’re a good boy, Kevin.  I believe you.”