Careful

A Rainy Lesson

“Joseph, do you have your homework today?”

“Yes,” answered Joseph.

The teacher took a closer look at his body language.

Joseph shifted in his seat.

“Well, after we finish this exercise, I’d like for you to share your answer for problem number three.”

Joseph shifted in his seat again.

“Okay, Miss Stella,” he answered. “But may I go to the bathroom first?”

“You may.”

Joseph got up from his chair and left the classroom.

It was raining and cold outside. A strong wind blew.

Joseph took a wrong turn and stepped outside.

He was immediately caught in the rain.

The door locked automatically behind him—school security.

Joseph began to shiver as the rain dripped down his face, arms, and legs.

He walked to the classroom window and peered in.

No one noticed.

Finally, he began to scratch on the window, like a cat without claws.

Melanie peered over.

“Miss Stella,” she murmured.

Miss Stella stared at her.

“Joseph is outside.”

In unison, the whole class turned toward the window.

“Oh dear. Melanie, please go let him in. And take my coat.

He knows that he should not go to the bathroom outside.

Today, he’ll have to do two problems in front of the class.”

Joseph was soaked, not once, twice, but three times.

He was also empty-handed.

A story by Pemba Umoja