October 18th: Lines

 
A couple of shocking pink leaves amid a sea of yellowing green leaves. Across the image in hot pink: #DRABBLETOBER
 

Day 18 of my 2023 drabble-a-day challenge! Here is today’s drabble…


Lines

Stephen slumped against the desk. His back ached, but he felt restless. He could still taste blood in his mouth.

Mr McGwigan swaggered in. Stephen had to swallow hard to keep a sound like a snarl inside himself.

"Ah, Stephen. So good of you to grace my classroom with your person. Now if you could just learn self-control..."

This time, he snarled. Mr McGwigan bared yellowing teeth, until he stopped.

"The usual, Stephen."

Stephen picked up his pen.

I must not turn into a shower of bats during calculus.

I must not turn into a shower of bats during calculus.


My friend Jen sporadically accuses me of turning into a shower of bats. I am, of course, delighted by this.