fragility

Today the entrance was no different. Me, smiling as I say hello, hand extended for a shake. Him, looking straight ahead with a very serious look on his face. Me, enthusiastic and welcoming. Him, ignoring my hand and proceeding immediately to his desk. This has been going on all year and it is topped off by rude comments and refusal to work. 

I do not give up.

After the final, something happened. He shared with me that the color of his pencil changes when it gets warmer. He handed it over and we both laughed that my hands were so cold it changed it back to dark green. It was a cold day in the classroom as the rain pounded and the wind blew. 

It was the end of the first day of finals and I allowed everyone to chat quietly as the discovery movie about strength played. He turned around and started up a conversation about six flags, his mom, his grandma, the substitute teacher... he lowered his wall and completely disregarded the disdain he has had for me ever since that first week when I called his mom. I pretended this was normal as not to scare him away. Like the way you do not push your limits when a stray cat rubs against your unmoving hand.

Another student asked if he could take a picture and I said no. sorry. cameras are not allowed in class. After a little cajoling in hopes I would cave, the kid with the hypercolor pencil said, "if she lets you take a picture then everyone is going to want to start taking pictures and they will get all crazy. so be quiet!"

Hello, breakthrough!