A Glass Full of Water

They say we remember our teachers for their character rather than for what they taught us. One teacher I remember for all the wrong reasons. He was a narcissistic bully who disliked children. He accused me of ruining a ball game. “Well, Horne. What do you have to say for yourself?” I started to reply, but he cut me off mid sentence. “Be quiet boy! I don’t like smart boys and today you are smart and stupid.” His face was full of unbridled rage.  The class was asked what consequences I should get for my crimes and he wrote the suggestions on the blackboard. White print on a black day. Only two students supported me. My twin brother Chris and a friend Simon.  I was so hurt and confused as I genuinely hadn’t done anything wrong and was also thinking about what dad would say and do so my anxiety was mounting. Just before dinner, Dad’s car came down the driveway and I heard him turn into the garage. Retreating into the wardrobe in our bedroom, I could hear muffled voices coming down...