His subtle masochism peered out of his cynical smile as he placed the hourglass on his desk. Silence drenched the room as we all tried to focus. My focus was on him.
Others thought he was an enigma - kind and helpful sometimes, but sarcastic and mean when he didn't get what he wanted.
And he wanted me, to destroy me. I could tell by the way he spewed his malice when he spoke. Never kind or helpful, always cunning and cruel, he missed no chance to humiliate me, to make me feel small, insignificant and above all dumb. He only wanted me in order to break me, to bring me down to my smallest denominator... so that he could laugh, celebrate my vacant self.
As the sand from the hourglass streamed downward, so did my hatred and I wallowed in it. I fantasized that I could cause him harm or could at least make him see that I did not deserve his disdain or could help him understand that I just don't treasure his obsession, that I don't have hours to spend on what seems to be the center of his own life. I had a real life of my own.
When the top of the hourglass was empty like his heart, we all knew it was time to leave. I felt like a fugitive escaping prison.
Days later, when I had to see him again I knew that in his hand he held justification for more torture. And sure enough, once again, he gave me an F. I hate math.
That was wonderful, Myrna! A powerful and strong piece of writing, your characterisation is marvellous. And the ending, too, is brilliant, I share your character's hatred of maths. Welcome to magpie tales :)
ReplyDeleteI suffer from math anxiety ... even today after more than 50 years post algebra!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this. :-) Nice writing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece of flash fiction, clever, engaging and a good twist. Loved it! :-)
ReplyDeleteah yes math professors....when one has a right brain as opposed to a left brain...math can be so hard.
ReplyDeleteNice First Magpie and welcome!
ha. i was heading somewhere else...math was never too hard for me...abstract mind and all glad you joined up with magpie...working on one for the weekend...
ReplyDeleteGreat twist to this well told tale!
ReplyDeletecool Myrna!! so different to the other things you write, yet so you! - loved the twist - I have to confess my twisted mind was heading elsewhere... didn't expect the innocent clever end!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully written with a surprise ending. Great.
ReplyDeleteLoved the surprise ending. I kept thinking, who is this guy? My brain does words, not numbers. I so despised my math teachers.
ReplyDeleteYou kept me on the edge here :)) I enjoyed the ending. I kinda used to think that way about my geography or chemistry teach. Nice memories, those are...
ReplyDeleteI did not see the end coming! Really sweet, Myrna! Nice!
ReplyDeleteVery nice job with this Magpie. I took me three algebra teachers in college to find the right one. Once I did I finally learned the subject. I truly believe that when it comes to math it is all about how it is presented coupled with a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't clear on my post ~ the writing exercise was for everyone; the award you've already earned & is yours to take:)
I loved the twist in this...math was never my favorite either.
ReplyDeleteRene
Sorry that he gives you an F...
ReplyDeletewow, I taught college level math for 6 years, I would love to work with you on individual bases and enable you at least a B, probably an A...
Glad to see you join magpie team,
beautifully done!
My, my. I thought it was some kind of a psychological retreat. The ending was unexpected. Even I hate Math. But Myrna, I guess you could have done more on this. And I am glad to read your Magpie along with the others'.
ReplyDeleteJoy always,
Susan
Take that F. Call is a badge of honor.
ReplyDeleteHa! So vibrant with passion I didn't even have the hint of a clue that wonderful twist was coming. Just popped over from Brian's - well done.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, that was scary right up until the end!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this, well written!
ReplyDeleteOh, a math teacher! Perfect how this ended! :)
ReplyDeletesome teachers are really scary... they've lost the appeal to teach instead of building they destroy... ok, ok.. N-O-T all teachers... great story... loved how you held on till the end... i've gotten an f or two... no one likes an f...! the sky is holding
ReplyDeleteHi I am Nicole from ColiesKitchen.com I found you on a blog hop and wanted to drop by and say hi. I really like your blog, and am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance.
ReplyDelete