Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Moments with Joey – March Wind & Silent Words

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SCENE 1, INTERIOR. AFTERNOON, HALLWAY. The school bell has sounded. The hallways are burgeoning with the clatter of students as they pour from their classrooms and make their way to the exits. A fifth grade teacher walks out the door and moves through the throng, giving high fives to passers-by and waving to students as they make their way home. As he exits the building and begins walking toward his post for after-school duty, he notices a fifth-grade boy walking silently next to him.

The boy and the teacher say nothing for several moments, but walk side-by-side. When the teacher arrives at his post, they both stand, watching the children as they hurry to busses, parked bikes, and awaiting parents.

Thunderous clouds moil overhead and the chill March wind blows across the empty blacktop, sending a few of last autumn’s leaves scurrying after each other. Still the boy and the teacher stand in muted silence.

TEACHER: Did you want something Joey?

[The boy looks up at his teacher with a sideways glance and shakes his head, but then moves a bit closer, not saying anything].

TEACHER: [Pause]. It’s just that sometimes people want to say something, but don’t want to at the same time.

[The boy continues to stand in silence for several moments and then speaks in a low voice].

JOEY: No.

[There is a long silence as the teacher and the boy continue to stand by each other].

TEACHER: In that case, could I just give you a little hug then?

[Pause].

JOEY: Yeah.

[The boy sidles up to his teacher, who puts one arm around his shoulder and gives a reassuring squeeze. The boy smiles up at his teacher, then walks away with a grin as the wind continues to blow through the now-empty playground].

[Fade to black].

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love these little stories... I don't have many of them in my days... but you make me want to look for and remember the little moments... It's been a rough week, teaching when you're sick and the kids are crazy is tough... I think I need a sick day!
(I teach 4th grade)

mintifresh said...

Wow. What a perfect response from his teacher!

mamahasspoken said...

Oh I am worried about Joey......
Especally since my captcha is the word hyper and seems so fitting for a Joey post....

Pumpkin Delight (Kimberly) said...

A hug makes a world of difference!

Kelly said...

Hope everything is OK with Joey. Glad you were sensitive to him.

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

Sometimes human contact it's that's needed. What a thoughtful/caring human you are.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Its nice when people have a sixth sense as to what others may need/want. I had a few teachers who were like that...I bet Joey could give a few unasked hugs as well.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor said...

Yeah, some days are like that. You have good instincts.

Laura said...

I sincerely hope that teachers like you are still around when my son is old enough to need one.

TisforTonya said...

I love this - sometimes that's all a kid needs isn't it :)

tammy said...

Okay, this one got to my heart and made me cry a little. Maybe it's because I needed my share of hugs this past weekend, and know how good they feel when you're needing one.

Way to go teach.

wendy said...

Thunderous clouds and chill March winds....all made a little better with a hug.
so great!!!!

Rachel said...

We all need a hug every now and then. A hug can say more than words.......

Karen M. Peterson said...

You really do have the best job.

mCat said...

Someday, when Joey is all grown up, he is going to look back and remember a certain 4th grade teacher that loved him. Never underestimate your influence for good in a child's life.

I love these stories.

xoxox

Unknown said...

This made me cry.

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