Brotin Tale: Carrying the Weight

It's that time once again, to journey into the twisted minds of Otin and Brian on another Brotin Tale. This month it is my turn to open, and I look forward to seeing where Otin takes this one. Sit back and enjoy...

her head snakes, fists pushed firmly into her hips for emphasis. though muffled by the window where i watch, her voice cuts like a knife into old memories as i feel my head dipping low against my chest, mirroring his.

inhaling deeply, i turn back to my empty classroom, busying myself with gathering papers to take home to grade in front of the television. an inadvertent smile slips across my face, seeing the hot pink flier for the science fair.

so many of my students could care less, yet a few would find this their time to flourish. not blessed with athletic talent, they would turn themselves over to the mind and let their imaginations run free. some would even go on to be teachers. yes, i look forward every year to the surprises they bring me.

tomorrow will be a good day, my finger finds the switch without a thought, leaving behind the weight i felt at the window.

-----
i know i should not, but i indulge myself in a steaming sup of sumatra, black, no fru fru, but i want to be fully engaged as the kids pour in with their projects today. windshield wipers whip back and forth in a frenzy to keep up with the rain, each sip of coffee leaving a hint of steam at the edge of my glasses.

gravel crunches as i pull into the comfortable familiarity of the school parking lot. few cars are here this early, but a shadowy form lingers by the door, my lights play across the front of the building, highlighting tommy holding a heavy cardboard box.

dashing between puddles to avoid getting completely soaked, my key rattles in the door, saving questions for drier confines.

tommy, what are you doing here so early?

just excited, i guess, he mumbles into the box, eyes cast guiltily away from me.

did your mom drop you off?

i brought my project and wanted to show it to you, he avoids my question deftly, offering an easy distraction. after yesterday afternoon, i am sure he needs a break.

go on in the cafeteria and set it up, i will be along shortly, just let me drop my things in the classroom. tommy is a good kid, i have no problem leaving him unsupervised for the few minutes it takes me to return.

wow, what is that? my mind races as the lights and components, briefly wondering where tommy could get such equipment, quickly lost in the wonder of his brilliant device.

its a happiness machine.

a happiness machine...what does it do?

it will fix things, like my family. making them happier...

the first inkling of concern pulls at my conscience, he sees it on my face, his finger flips the switch without a though, leaving behind the weight he felt while i was at the window...

Now go check out Otin for the rest of the story...