Something seemed unusual in the way the principal worked to the podium from the back of the assembly. He moved his tough frame rather ponderously. He was not as smart as he used to be. The trademark morning smile was not forthcoming. He took the microphone from angel, the chapel prefect, and held it, say nothing. This was in spite of the fact that the mornings pep talk was over, and everyone was excited. All waited for the principal to speak. But the man looked blankly above the students head, instead of compellingly into their eyes, the way he used to. He made an attempt to talk, yet words did not come. His head dropped over his broad shoulders as he began to stare at the colorful ties on the floor.
There was a heavy silence. The principal, again, attempted to speak. Tears! Everyone saw them. Tears trickled out of his eyes. He made yet another attempt to produce words. This time, the microphone dropped on the floor sending a vexatious clatter out of the twin sound boxes at the assembly. More tears streamed from both eyes, competitively rolling down his sunken cheeks. Dozens of perplexed eyes - students and staffs - fixed on him. There was nowhere to hide from the puzzled looks. Then Mr. Justin Leonard hid in the only available space. He brought his palms together, like a supplicant, and shielded his face.
The first person who found a voice was the vice principal, Mrs. Sarah Peter - Kin. "What is the matter, principal?" She asked, moving to his side. Four other members of staff joined her. But the principal said nothing. Instead, he sobbed freely. The school nurse, Mrs. Annabelle, fetched a handkerchief and offered it to the weeper.
" Please, conclude the assembly and let the students go into their classes immediately," the VP instructed the chemistry teacher, Mr. Chris hard. Mrs. Annabelle, the nurse, and Mr. Anderson, the CRK teacher, started walking the principal back to his office, his face stil buried in his palms, sobbing even more agitatedly.
"Sir, what is the matter," Mrs. Annabelle or nurse Anna as she was fondly called asked, as they helped Bepo to his chair in the office. " Is anything the matter?" she aske again. Justin did not utter a word. The tears did not stop flowing either. At 805 a.m, more teachers arrived to console the sobbing principal or possibly lend a helping hand. But the VP advised they go to their classes, exempting the guidance counselor, Mr. Jason miller.