This is my post on #freewriters2793 #dailyprompt i probably deserved that hosted by @marinnewest's.
A prank got things started. A little, innocuous joke, or so I believed.
I used a piece of white soap that had been carved to resemble chalk in place of Mr. Benson's customary chalk during lunch. The scheme? to witness his perplexity when the board failed to write. Classic.
The entire class was aware of it. As he entered, humming as usual, we laughed behind our hands. When he lifted the "chalk" and pressed it against the board, nothing happened. Once more, he tried. ... once more. Then he hesitated.
Raising an eyebrow, he turned around with the composure of an experienced educator who has seen it all. "Very funny," he uttered. Meet me after class, whoever did this.
Then there was laughter. I felt pleased. For a while.
Upon finishing class, I approached him. "I was the one, sir."
He was not happy. He nodded slowly instead. "Thank you for being honest. Actions, however, have repercussions.
The following morning, I saw that I was listed as the blackboard cleaner for the entire week on the duty roster. not exclusively ours. All the first-floor classes.
My arms hurt from rubbing the chalk dust by the third day. My uniform was in disarray. My pals made fun of me. I started to feel bad about the practical joke.
But the worst part was not that.
On Friday morning, Mr. Benson showed up as I was carrying the bucket and sponge to the final classroom. "Have you learnt anything this week?" he said.
Shameful, I nodded. Yes. I probably deserved that.”
He smiled, finally. “Good. A little mischief is acceptable, but respect and timing are also important.
He gave me a chilly water bottle. "Now you are off duty."
I thanked him and left feeling both wiser and more hurt.
Sometimes the best lessons are learnt from soap, sponges, and a teacher who knew how to transform a joke into growth rather than from textbooks.