microfantasy monday: advice
—Four o’clock, is it?
—That’s what it says here.
—Well, it was inevitable, wasn’t it? Had the cane before? …What, never?
—It isn’t exactly my fault!
—No one’s said it is… Ri-ight. Eyes front, listen to me… Listening?
—Yes.
—Do sport beforehand. Eight or nine circuits as fast as you can take.
—Why?
—Nerves. Two: look smart. Shower, comb your hair, polish those shoes, make sure there’s a crease in those trousers.
—You make it sound like going to church.
—Don’t mock. Three: It sometimes helps to count backwards in your head. Only four more to go. Etcetera.
—What if you’re told to count them out?
—Then disregard, obv!
—Obv.
—Where was I? Oh, yes: Be on time. Unless you want to go for extras, which I don’t recommend first time out.
—No fear.
—Five: Don’t clench. Makes it hurt more. Trust me. Try breathing in when you hear the swish.
—What if… ?
—What?
—What if you can’t stay down?
—Hold onto something, rail of the chair, your ankles, anything. Do not get up until told to. Like I said, don’t go for extras.
—What if…
—You can take it. Believe me. It’s bad, but not as bad as you think.
—Ha.
—Oh yes, six: When you’re told to stand up, don’t forget the thank you.
—Check.
—Cheek under duress. There’s hope for you yet. Right then, off you go.
—Thanks.
—You’re welcome. See you at four.
A slight twist on this week’s theme of teacher. Read it as you like, of course, but for the first speaker, I recommend cf. with the unnamed prefect in Dawn. Thanks to Ang for Microfantasy Monday!
July 27th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Nothing like advice from someone who’s been there before. Always chuckle at you and your schoolboys. Nice one.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
This has a very British feel to it — was that what you were going for? It’s different; I like it.
cdm Reply:
July 27th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Oh, yes, the wicked schoolboys are certainly British. Standard issue English Public School of an era not quite our own…
July 27th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I do like reading what the schoolboys have gotten up to. Very nicely done.
July 28th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Hehe nice advic, yes don’t clench it does hurt more
July 28th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I loved this! Great story.
kisses
July 30th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Short but sweet. Love the attempt at bravery and mocking.. is it mean of me to enjoy the thought of that boy realizing just how much it is going to hurt?