Rule number one of things a teacher should never say to a student: ‘talk to me after class’. Saphir could feel his fight-or-flight response activating at that very moment.
Since then, he hasn’t been able to focus for the rest of class. And then the bell rung, with every student but himself exiting the classroom. He wasn’t even sure if he could get up from his seat. It felt like his legs would snap in two the moment he’d stand up.
Despite this, he swallows his guts and takes a stand. He quickly begins to assume the worst as he approaches the teacher’s desk. Did he do something? Was his assignment that terrible that it warranted a talk to the teacher?
Reeking of stress, he stops a few feet away from the teacher’s desk. “Uh...” He starts. “...I’m sorry.” An apology slips from his mouth, despite not knowing what he’s done-- or if he’s even done anything to begin with.