Among the few who remain, it's easy to recognize the first-year students, they are still, shy. Not just their faces but their bodies, their attitude says it all.
The older ones seem happier and more confident, they've been here for years already.
Gradually, each teacher gathers with their group if anyone is left from their own class and they leave through the main exit.
Many of my students are still waiting, so I go down with Henrietta to meet them.
—Good luck.— Henrietta says to me.
—Same to you.— We hug before saying goodbye, I think she noticed my nervousness.
It's time to go to the classroom, I recognize some faces that I might have seen by chance in the hallway or elsewhere.
A significant difference in this institution is that we don't have a dress code, so everyone wears what they prefer.
—Good morning, my name is Thuy Thanh Nguyen, but everybody calls me "IA". Our classroom will be 6A, where we'll start with introductions.— I smile.
It's as if I never get used to this after so many years. New experiences always do the same to me.
Everyone greets me kindly, and we walk to our class.
Now that the formalities are over, the students return to talking among themselves. There are groups of friends who continue to stick together, which makes me happy.
In this school we do not have lotteries, and each classroom persists with the same formation in the years they are here.
Teaching and learning are important, but a little warmth never hurts anyone, it's indispensable, and our principal trusts in that.
So, they're allowed to keep their classmates as friends until graduation.
Supposedly, this could distract them, but their grades are always high. If I had to compare it... it's like working, you do better when it's out of enjoyment than out of obligation.
—Here we are.— I say, opening the door and heading to my desk, placing my briefcase on it.
Everyone takes a seat, and like the hallway, the classrooms are colorless, almost a challenge for them to change it.
Entering through both doors, they choose the seat they like the most, another freedom they have... Although sometimes there are big battles if two guys want the same spot, that can be dangerous...
I scan the group panoramically to make sure everything's okay…
No problems.
I take a chalk and start writing my name on the blackboard.
—A date!, a date!.— I hear someone exclaim.
—Who said that?.— I turn towards the class with seriousness.
—Here, teacher, is it true that you're not married?.— One of the boys says confidently and with a childish attitude.
I'm not sure to what extent he's joking or serious.
A few laugh along with the flow, the rest who know me are very serious... I slowly walk towards the new student.
—What's your name, kid?.—
—...Ryota..—
I think he realized the danger, the energy has faded from his face.
—"Ryota", not a cute name, but I admire your bravery.— I walk behind his seat, he's bewildered, thinking it would all end as a joke and I'd continue with the class as if nothing happened.
—Ryota.—
—Yes, teacher?..—
—Listen carefully, it's very important.— I say, returning to the front of his desk.
—Next time you hint at wanting to have a date with me, I'll cut your throat with a hammer. Do you understand?, I'm not kidding, I've done it in the past. — I say seriously.
I'm not lying, in my former profession I had to kill people with hammers or knives, and I'm not half as good as Henrietta or our former boss for that "job".
—.....— He seems to have lost his soul with my words...
—Good, that's how problems are solved, by talking and without violence. Remember that if anything bad crosses your minds.— I say loudly for the class to hear me.
It was probably a joke, but my past self doesn't like those kinds of jokes.
...Wait...
Something's off here, didn't I go too far?…
Everyone is petrified, with expressions of fear...
I pause in the middle of the classroom, thinking...
Yes... everyone is stiff, frozen... Maybe I was a bit harsh...
I continue walking towards the blackboard, writing down my schedule and subject..
In this school, teachers are not mistreated or harassed by parent or government associations, so we have the right to act according to our criteria.
We just have to teach, adhere to a conservative and traditional code of ethics, and we'll be fine…
The problem arises when I don't realize if I've gone too far..
—Welcome, you can call me "IA", I'll be your coordinator and physics teacher for this year. I know it's unusual, unfortunately, my colleague Rin, who was with you for the last years, won't be able to be here for this final stretch, so we'll spend the last period of your high school together.— I say calmly, smiling, looking at random people.
—I'd like you to introduce yourselves one by one, stating your name and any personal interest if you wish.—
***
The tense atmosphere dissipated as they introduced themselves one by one. They're intelligent students, just taken by surprise with my openly spoken declaration about the hammer...
I had noticed it before, but there's only one boy who hasn't looked at me since entering the classroom. He's sitting in the back, the last desk right next to the door. Henrietta would say he is sleepy..ha.
Now it's his turn, his presentation will tell me a lot, his tone of voice, his posture, his diction, his gaze…
..I don't know why I'm so obsessed, I always pay too much attention to the smallest things that stand out in a great environment.
—My name is Razar.— He says.
He didn't stand up, but at least he looked me in the eyes..
His gray eyes with a vertical line in the middle, and his hair of the same color covering his face, although I can see him without a problem.
A completely buttoned white shirt, black pants and… the same necklace that Henrietta and I have... with its characteristic almost hypnotic shape, a cross with two other symbols.
His voice is strong and deep, but I notice a great disinterest... every class has someone like that.
—..Alright, next.—
***
Finally, the presentations are over. To be honest... I don't remember most of the names... I have a year to learn them...
—On the first day of classes, nobody likes to do anything, and I'm no exception, but there's a reason we come to school, so, we'll spend the time in a simple way. I'll give you some sheets and you'll write what you would like to do after finishing high school; study, work, rob a bank, anything as long as it's the truth.—
I open my briefcase and take out sheets of paper. I count the exact number and distribute them on the desks in front.
Each one receives their sheet from the previous classmate and starts writing.
I know they're not thrilled about the idea, but I can see their motivation at not having to study on the first day, it's like a conspiracy, "let's do what she says is easy and we'll have the day off" haha.
They all take their time in an obviously suspicious silence... Yes, I know, I also went to high school, and to a Western school, those are not like the ones here..
I see them drawing and writing with effort, everyone except Razar, he hasn't even touched the paper…
Mmmh... I don't want to start this year on the wrong foot, it would be very invasive to suddenly go and harass him, nor do I know what kind of boy he really is.
***
40 minutes have passed already, yes, a task that would only take 5 minutes has become eternal, nobody said anything and I decided to give them the time.
The first session has concluded, but today we'll have two in a row... what a way to start a Monday…
I like being here, but I can't help feeling fatigued, it must be because I didn't sleep well last night.
—Alright, return the papers, there's no need for everyone to stand up.—
—.....—
….And everyone stands up together and at the same time. They seem to have gained confidence…
They push and reach out their arms to reach the front... A kind of meaningless game to pass the time among themselves…
—Ahh, just leave the papers on the desk.— I say resignedly..
Henrietta must be in the same situation..
Meanwhile, in Henrietta's class;
—Zzzzz...zzzzzz.—
—...…— The class is completely silent..
—She just said "I'm sleepy so don't move or make noise", and she's been sleeping for almost an hour...— One of the students whispers..
—If we move even a little from our seats, she will shoot...— Whispers another one..
***
—Have you finished?, there are 40 more minutes left, so since there's nothing to do, we'll read your plans for the future.—
The most entertaining activity I could think of...
—Eehhh, I don't want to, teacher... I thought it would be something private.—
—I don't know that word.— I say.
—Yes, it's embarrassing, let's do something else.— Another student says.
—You're right, I should respect your privacy, if that's what you all want, we'll do something else.—
I arrange the sheets and put them back in my briefcase.
—Let's start then.— I say, standing up and taking a piece of chalk.
—The basic premise of the theory of relativity is that the location of physical events, both in time and space, is relative to the state of the..—
—Teacher, I think it's a great idea to read our notes, it's good to get to know each other and learn more about what we think in such a gratifying activity.— One of the students interrupts me..
As clear as day, everyone seems to agree with him. As I said, on the first day of classes, nothing gets done.
—Hahah, excellent, it was a good idea from the beginning. Engrave this in your minds; never let life's opportunities slip away.— I laugh softly, shake my hands, sit down, and take the sheets.
—Let's see, let's see.. a girl says "I want to be a nurse", and there are more hearts drawn than desires to work on a Monday..— Literally..
—Even though I'm a physicist, I also studied some medicine. It would be nice to have my student take care of me if I go to the hospital, but I'd prefer not to get sick.—
—What else do we have, "soldier", someone wants to serve the country.—
—I actually want to move and serve in another country.— Says the owner of the note.
—Well..no matter which nation you fight for, you're still killing humans.—
I continue... one blank sheet, I suppose, yes. Checking the number of sheets and their names, this is the only one empty, it must be his.
I'm surprised that Rin has someone like him in her class, the strong point of this school is that everyone feels comfortable, but there seems to be an exception.
—"I want to be a DJ", a musician in the class.— I continue reading.
—That's me, teacher!, I want to organize many events and live off whatever's left on the food tables!.—
—.....—
Usually, everyone shows some ambition in their dreams, but here's another exception...
Suddenly, he stands up energetically and takes an electronic piano out of his backpack, he's about to play something..
—...…—
—...….—
Everyone falls silent upon hearing that strange music..
What was that supposed to be?, I felt like shooting him unconsciously..
—What did you think, teacher?, I'm almost a professional.— He says enthusiastically..
—...…—
—I would prefer that you don't play it again in my class.— I answer honestly.
—I knew you would like it!, I know, it's too good for such a small school, I'll fill stadiums with my talent.—
Did he get motivated out of nowhere?..
—Sit down already.— Another student says.
Most of them found it funny how it sounds, but only for a moment..
—I got a little carried away..— He says embarrassedly and puts his piano away..
—It's okay, it's good to share what we like.— I say.
—Tuturutu turutu turutu!—
—...…—
The director's trumpet can be heard..
Looking out the window he's playing from the courtyard..
—Recess tiiimeee!, I don't know how to use the space baaar!!!.— He shouts in case someone doesn't know what the trumpet means..
—...….— I don't know what to say about that..
Now he's lying on the floor... he must be tired from shouting..
—...…—
—I think.. that's our bell for this year… Our hour has ended, have a nice day and I'm glad to have met you all. Remember to be good to your other teachers, see you tomorrow.—
—Aaahhhhhh!!!!!.— ..Shouts one and runs off with his arms in the air…
—....—
Almost at the speed of light, they struggle to leave the room.. It's better for me to stay until everyone has left..
—My foot!, my fooooooooot!!!.— Someone got their foot stepped on when they ran out..
—....—
..And in less than a blink, there's not a soul, the room completely empty. There's no person who doesn't love recess or free time in school or work.
I take my briefcase and put away the sheets they wrote on.