Her face tightened.
I maintained professional composure.
A bobby pin was sliding from its perch.
I stared at it but didn’t warn her.
Continuing is the only option
I said while recognizing the lie.
Her tight face became rock.
My tongue was dry, lifeless.
Tomorrow. I said. At least give tomorrow a try.
She calcified, but I saw her eye twitch.
Will you walk with me?
Yes.
The entire class was watching.
Keep working. Be right back.
Her stone face with twitching eyes
Locked onto my sagging ineptitude.
The class was still watching
as we left the room.
Around the corner, away from the window,
the granite shattered.
She adjusted her bobby pin.
We walked.