Ki-on carries on. Carmen manipulates. Carlos and Justin complain. Ibrahim defies. Seated in a horseshoe formation, in a corner room, they test me while taking their tests.

I feel the familiar sensations: tightening in the throat and chest, tension in the neck and shoulders, gritted teeth. My frustration rises. This time, however, I become aware of it, and the cycle through which I perpetuate it. This time, I breathe, then change the script. I relocate two students: the rest quiet down. They eventually work through the period.

Then it’s time for me to cover yet another period, instead of having lunch.

cold room
the air-conditioner turns
on and off

Photo by Karim MANJRA

first published in Image Curve, October 21, 2020