Capítulo 81: Of Stern Taskmasters and Abusive Authorities
Ten years ago, Michelle, Ella and I were on the second day of sixth grade when a male teacher walked sternly into the classroom. He carried with him a long stick and a black briefcase to go along with a suit and tie.
After placing the briefcase on the table, the teacher strolled back and forth and surveyed all of us. Having seen his menacingly cold stare, it was clear we were in for a tough morning ahead.
"Students, you're about to experience a long and difficult year in this classroom," the teacher sternly opened. "I am teacher Marvin, and I'll teach you mathematics like never before."
While in the midst of Marvin's introduction, one of my classmates giggled incessantly at his geeky image. Having heard enough, the teacher stormed towards the student and gave him a sermon he would never forget.
"What's so funny?" Marvin screamed at the student. "Don't you dare poke fun at my look, you idiot."
In spite of Marvin's warnings, the student continued to laugh at a non-stop pace. Eventually, Marvin has heard enough and slammed his palms to the desk, going as far as pointing his stick at him.
"Shut up," he angrily yelled. "Or I'll summon you to the principal's office for disrespecting a teacher."
The student promptly covered his mouth, and his body became stiff. The rest of us stared fearfully towards the desk feeling severely shaken and traumatized by the teacher's aggressive actions.
That marked the beginning of a year's worth of hell for me. Never before in my life have I ever encountered a teacher so demanding and militaristic in terms of approach.
Regardless, I tried my best to focus on the tasks at hand, no matter how difficult teacher Marvin became. However, in the middle of the school year, a nervous breakdown suddenly distressed me.
One day, I went inside the principal's office for a short talk with her. While I was on the verge of meeting with the principal, tears began leaking from my eyes.
"Christine, you must be feeling miserable," the principal solemnly said. "What is going on?"
"It was about the math teacher Marvin," I tearfully answered with my head down. "He expressed no remorse and is too savage and harsh to us. I can no longer tolerate his tough demeanor."
At that moment I started crying incessantly, much to the concern of the principal. She then stood up and approached me with some advice.
"Christine, you must toughen yourself up," the principal told me. "Here in school each student is taught to be responsible and mature individuals when they grow up. No matter the type of teacher, they all have one thing in common: to guide you towards becoming a well-rounded citizen."
"But Marvin is a bully," I responded. "He is making us look like a fool: very intimidating, extremely demanding and hard-nosed. I can't tolerate such pain anymore madam."
"Christine, Marvin has been teaching in this school for many years now," the principal explained. "He may show some tough love, but the students don't care. All they want is to study hard in order to pass his subject, that's it. You should do the same and stop feeling intimidated. Understand?"
I reluctantly nodded at the principal and walked out, my heart still bearing the pain of enduring such a stern figure. On the way upstairs, Michelle came out to console me.
"Christine, just ignore sir Marvin's aggressive demeanor," she gently advised me while graciously giving out a hug. "Focus on your studies and behave like a woman."
In spite of this tough-love attitude teacher Marvin showed to the class, all of us managed to pass his subject. However, it was not the end of my brutal encounters with these stern taskmasters.
A few more teachers with similar track records followed, each just as strict as the other. But with loyal classmates Michelle and Ella guiding me along I was able to steadfastly maintain my composure and passed these ordeals.
Upon reaching senior year high school, all of us were instructed to undergo citizen advancement training. We were subject to severe military training exercises, which served as means of strengthening and motivating our body and mind in preparation for adulthood.
Somehow I survived all of them but not after experiencing sprained ankles, sore feet and shortness of breath. It may have been a harsh training regimen, but that ordeal played a key role in toughening me up.
Back in the present, however, the uncomfortable feeling of abuse and humiliation once again returned to haunt me. This time, it was my father Clark who suffered such cruel treachery.
The following morning, as I leaned my back on the sofa, he woke up from his long slumber. But after Clark's unceremonious dismissal from the hospital, it became clear his routine would be considerably different.
Charissa had just served some sausages and omelet when Clark sat down. After properly placing the plates on the table, she cautiously approached her husband for an important conversation.
"Love, I know you're still a little upset," Charissa consoled Clark. "Sometimes, there are things we cannot control and there's nothing neither you or I can do about it. If I were you, move on and try your luck somewhere else. It may not be easy to apply, but it's worth a shot."
"Charissa, you're probably right," Clark replied. "But after working almost non-stop for over 20 years perhaps I deserve a much-needed break. My mind is exhausted, and my body is drained of all energy. As much as I wanted to continue working, it was clear the grind had taken its toll."
"I understand your predicament," Charissa nodded. "Even my body gave up after years of working the news almost every day. Somewhere down the line we all need some relaxation time, and unfortunately we were unable to offer such luxuries. But now that we're free you and I can reconnect with Christine anytime we want. What can you say?"
As I joined in for breakfast, Clark uttered some words of encouragement that filled my heart.
"Charissa, I'm all in on this," he nodded in approval.
At that moment Clark offered a sincere apology.
"Sorry if I ruined our precious vases yesterday," he said bitterly. "My mind wasn't in a pleasant mood at the time, and I regret all of it."
"It's all right," Charissa humbly accepted. "We can instantly replace these vases anytime."
Much to my profound amazement, Clark and Charissa tenderly embraced in front of me. I joyfully smiled while looking keenly at them.
There is indeed more time for family bonding between us. Alas, it was the middle of a school week, so these plans will have to wait.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
ralphierce
ralphierce Family time will need to set aside as Christine's academic obligations continue to pile up. But time is not on her side.
Stay tuned to see if she was able to survive first term.
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