Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

53 - Like a Book

53

Like a Book

Friday, June 16

Kevin woke up and looked at his letter to Angela. He could never send it, but he had to write it.

*****

Dear Angela,

It has been a tough week for me, one of the most difficult ever, and I'm sure it's the same for you as well. But I'm getting through it because I love and trust you. I will persist during the weeks and months ahead. Our friendship has meant so much to me, and our love even more. I am aware that the latter grew from the former, and that our union was forged by faith in one another. That gives us strength during the pain of our necessary parting. Know that I will always love you, and will cherish the memory of our time together as well as the depth of our bonding. I miss you. It hurts like hell. But you are right. We will endure because we have to do so. It is also for the children on our planet, those we will always nurture both at home and work because they give us our purpose. So I will use the strength of our feelings to guide my path forward.

Love forever, -Kevin

*****

He wiped away a tear, stored the letter, and got ready for school. Today was a teachers-only workday, time to finish submitting final grades, put things away, and get organized for next year. He dressed casually, in sneakers, navy shorts, and his white polo shirt with Valle Grande across the chest. He took a deep breath.

I have known and lost two loves this past year, at the beginning and end. I am sure there will be other lessons, but I've had enough of them for now. Well, if I'm not gonna be living with someone for a while, at least I can plan on visiting student homes again this next September. Good. Look to the future, and focus on what I control.

*****

"Welcome to my last brunch at Valle Grande. I hope it will be a memorable one. A colleague once said that he enjoyed working in a school because each year is like a book. It has a beginning, middle, and end." The principal smiled.

Kevin glanced his way.

I will certainly remember that it's my last day working with you. Good riddance.

But he had to admit that the spread was impressive. Cassie said that it was usually little more than coffee and pastries. Today there was a variety of fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, pancakes, croissants, cereal, juice, tea, and milk. And yes, also coffee, pastries, and doughnuts.

Julie said, "Mr. Smith, this is quite the feast. You should leave us more often." Kevin choked.

Did she really tell him that?

Even more surprisingly, Otto Smith laughed. He didn't just smile, but he broke up.

"Well, Julie, I have heard some say that I am frugal. Or perhaps it was a less generous adjective regarding my spending habits? Normally, I would just let the school pay the minimum for our brunch, but I am feeling better than usual, so I contributed a bit as well. I will miss being at Valle Grande. But an acquaintance gave me some suggestions recently. After I sifted through my feelings, I decided that it was time for a new challenge. I had perhaps become a little safe here. My new position at Pioneer Middle School is a positive change in many ways, almost like having a surprise stock market gain. Helps to listen to advice sometimes."

Kevin couldn't believe it.

Is this the same man? We all owe that acquaintance a big thanks, whoever it was. Yet Smith seems real right now. Sincere and grateful. Perhaps he isn't so bad after all?