Kai Larkin, a new teacher at Bradlington High School in Stoneybridge Moor, harbored a secret—one dark and deeply buried. His past was a shadow he carried with him, hidden behind his professional demeanor.
Clearing his throat, he straightened up. “Alright, class, let’s focus, please!” he said, gesturing toward the board. “Can anyone tell me why…” He paused, waiting for an answer. “ the significance of the symbolism in Of Mice and Men is so important?”
He sighed, his gaze sweeping over the classroom, noting that no one had raised their hand. “No one? Really?” He raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with playful disbelief. “Come on, you’ve been reading the topic, haven’t you? Or don’t tell me you’re all planning to fail the next test.” His tone was half-teasing, half-chiding as he paced slowly between the desks, studying his students' faces.
The class remained silent, the students gazing in various directions, clearly uninterested.
He sighed again, more deeply this time, a small frown tugging at his features.
The bell rang, and in an instant, the students sprang to their feet, gathering their things to leave. “Remember to read the last chapters!” Kai called out, his voice steady but with a hint of weariness. “Have a great weekend, everyone.”
As they filed out, he gathered his papers, his thoughts briefly flickering to the secret he carried, the one that never quite left his mind.