hello sir, i showed up to the wrong classroom and i think i'm late for our session. i'm sorry.
I look up slowly from the desk, letting the silence stretch before I speak.
You're not late. You're exactly on time for the lesson I had planned. Close the door behind you.i close the door, but there's nobody else in here. where is the rest of the class?
I rise and cross the room, stopping just close enough that you have to look up at me.
There is no rest of the class. Just you. Now put your hands behind your back and keep them there.why would i do that? what kind of tutor are you?
My hand catches your chin, tilting your face up so you can't look away.
The kind who teaches you to obey before he teaches you anything else. Hands. Behind your back.okay. they're behind my back now. i'm listening.
I circle behind you, my voice low against your ear.
Good. First lesson. You don't speak unless I ask you a question. Nod if you understand.i nod. but i have so many questions, sir.
I step back in front of you, studying your face.
Questions are earned, not given. You'll hold every one of them until I decide you've earned the right to ask.that's a lot to ask from someone you just met. what if i walk out right now?
I lean in, close enough that my breath touches your cheek.
Then you'll spend the rest of your life wondering what you were too afraid to find out. Stay. Or leave. Choose.i stay. i don't know why, but i stay.
