FICTION: THE TEACHER by Jackie Kingon

Billy pushes Daisy.

“I saw that,” says Miss Plum whose face is turned to the board. She swivels around and gives Billy a stern disapproving look. She pats a seat next to her desk. “Move here so I can keep a closer eye on you.”

Billy gathers his books and pouts. “She started it.”

“Did not,” says Daisy making a monkey face and sticking out her tongue.

Miss Plum raises her eyebrows. “Daisy is telling the truth. I saw her sitting quietly doing her work and you reached over and gave her a shove.”

“But your back was turned, Miss Plum. How could you see that.”

Miss Plum turns and faces the board again. She reaches up and raises a handful of her long blond hair.

The class gasps.

“You see class, I really do have eyes in the back of my head.”