The school chime rang. Surprised, I stood up. Through the window, I saw my classmates laughing as they went to wash their hands. The inside of my head became as cold as ice. I walked over to Jim’s desk and opened the top. It was like I was in a dream. I looked around to make sure there was no one nearby. Then I opened the wooden box, quickly took out the blue and red paints, and put them into my pocket.
My classmates returned to the room. I really wanted to see Jim’s face. But I couldn’t make myself look. Class started. Usually, I liked listening to my young teacher, but that day I couldn’t understand anything she said. I felt like the teacher was looking at me as if she knew something was different.
The chime rang again at the end of class. I was happy it was over. But after the teacher left, the biggest and smartest boy in my class came up to me and grabbed my elbow. He told me to go with him. My heart started to beat quickly. It was the same feeling as when you forget your homework and the teacher calls your name. I was taken to a corner of the school field.
I know you have Jim’s paints. Give them to me.
I became calm when I heard him say that. So I told a lie. I don't have anything like that.
Then, Jim spoke. His voice was shaking. I checked my wooden box before lunch. Everything was there. But after the lunch break, two of my paints were missing. You were the only one in the classroom.
I knew that it was the end for me. Blood rushed to my head, and it felt like my face was burning. Then, someone tried to reach into my pockets. I wanted to stop him, but there were too many of them.
In my pockets, they found glass marbles, a menko card and Jim’s paints. Everyone looked at me with angry eyes that said, I told you so. My body started to shake, and the world around me felt like everything was black. All the other students were enjoying their break time, buti felt I was dying from the inside. I wondered why I had done such a thing. Because I was weak, I started to cry.
You can't scare us by crying, you know. The big, smart boy said strongly to me. it was clear he didn’t like me. My classmates dragged me upstairs. It was where my favorite teacher’s room was.
Jim knocked on the door. I heard my teacher say in a kind voice. Come in. I didn’t want to go in. It would be the first time and would be the last I felt that way.