“TheWeightofChalk”
By Harrison Magige
01/08/25
0706726258
Thefinalbellhadrunganhourago.Thecorridorwasquiet,thedesksdeserted,but oneteacherstilllingeredinthestaffroom Mr.Kale.Heslouchedinhischair, markingexercisebookswithhalfhisusualcare,hisheartburdenedmorethanhis hands.
He’djustcomefromaconfrontationinthehallway.Amisunderstandinghad spiraledintoaconversationhewishedhadgonedifferently.
Teacher: “I was so disappointed. Instead of finishing and rushing home, you were just wasting time despite me telling you to go. Now Caro’s mum called me thinking I was lying ”
Student: “I think you should be disappointed with Caro and not me. My aunt has no issue that's why I was waiting for Mike I don't see a reason why you should direct your anger at me. ”
Teacher: “Your aunt has no problem yet she calls me when you are late. Ok. I was not angry I was disappointed, that’s all. I think I care too much. Of which I should not.”
Mr.Kalesighed,rubbinghistemples.Hehadspentthepastyearinvestinginhis students,offeringthemguidance,encouragement,andsecondchances Hehad stayedlatemanyevenings,coveredlessonsforabsentcolleagues,evenbought learningmaterialswithhisownsalary.
Andyet,herehewas misunderstoodbyhisstudentsandunsupportedbythevery systemthatemployedhim.
Justthen,thedeputyprincipalenteredthestaffroom.Hertonewasbrisk.
DeputyPrincipal: “You must take that duty. Remember, you were unemployed we gave you a job, but now you refuse assigned duties ”
Teacher: “I am overwhelmed by all these duties.”
Therewasalongsilence.Thedeputywalkedoutwithoutreplying.
Mr.Kaleputdownhispen.Helookedaroundthestaffroom onceaplaceof purpose,nowachamberofpressure.Herealizedthatintryingtobeeverythingfor everyone,hehadforgottenhimself.
Thebetrayalwasn’tjustfromothers.Itwasfromwithin expectinggratitude wherenonewaspromised.
Hestoodupslowly,collectedhisbooks,andwhisperedtonooneinparticular:
"Tomorrow, I’ll teach again But differently "
TheEnd