Treachery

“Today, we are going to play…” Mr. Brown observed our expressions, his hands clasped behind his back, signaling a surprise. I despise surprises, and the suspense was immediately irritating. “I think he needs a drum roll to make this more intense,” a kid beside me muttered. I nodded in agreement; he was clearly drawing out the anticipation. Regardless, since this was sports, I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it. “Dodgeball.” He picked a red ball. Mr. Brown balanced the ball on his finger, spinning it, his eyes gleaming with what felt like pure malice. A rush of anxiety made me bite my bottom lip. I don’t just despise the students in this school; I also despise many of the teachers. Not that I generalize, but they knowingly push students past their limits, even when they’re aware some can't meet the physical or academic demands. They drive students until they question their lives, purpose, and worth. Take Mr. Brown, for example. Not every student is athletic, yet he would push you into wre