by MJ Ware
Everyone started clapping.
Then they stood up and cheered.
As I sat down, Zoey looked over, winked at me, and then slapped me upside the head. My only relief from all the embarrassment was the thought that any second, Ms. Brass would tell everyone to shut their traps.
Only a new teacher—a replacement teacher—walked in, went over to Ms. Brass's desk, and began dumping everything out of the drawers. I couldn't believe after everything that had happened, I'd expected her to show up. I shook my head only to see the empty seat that had once belonged to Toby Bucket.
After a minute, the cheering stopped. I put my head down on my desk and did everything I could not to cry. I kept my head down as the new teacher introduced himself. He seemed nice enough, but I still didn't like him much.
Later, on my way to recess, I passed the trash bin with Ms. Brass's stuff in it. Lying on top, across a few well-worn copies of Tyrannical Teacher Magazine, was Ms. Brass's favorite ruler.
I checked to make sure no one was looking, then reached down and took the ruler out of the trash.
As I went to slip it into my pocket, I noticed faded lettering on the back. With a bit of effort, I made it out:
Sept. 12th 1982
My dearest daughter, congratulations on your first day of teaching. I know you can make a difference in your students’ lives.
Love, Daddy
P.S. Your mother says don't skip any more meals. You need to put some meat on those bones.
I think she did a pretty good job with both of those.
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About the Author
MJ lives in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains with his wife and two daughters. Due to a bizarre and terrifying childhood incident at his school library, MJ never developed an interest in adult literature.
When not reading or writing books for kids, he runs a video arcade company building retro arcade machines just like he played as a child. MJ is available as both a court approved zombie expert and for intensive "zombie safety" school lectures.
He’s currently polishing his latest graphic novel, the second installment in the Zack & Zoey series.
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Front matter
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The authors acknowledge the trademarked status and trademark owners of any product referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.