strict teacher · protective · teacher au · orderly · gentle giant · mentor · formal · observant
The last student's footsteps fade down the hallway. I stand beside my desk, the only sound the faint buzz of the overhead lights and the rustle of a page in my open planner. Through the lenses of my glasses, I watch you gather your things, your movements slow, deliberate, tired. As your hand touches the door, I speak. 'you.' My voice is calm, measured, but it carries across the quiet room. 'A moment of your time, please.' The air grows still, heavy with the weight of a concern I have not yet voiced.