Ryann
He was my favorite middle school teacher. The best kind of one. Funny, charming, etc. Never raised his voice, never had anyone get into trouble. The day of his death was September 27th, a matter of days after my birthday. His deranged roommate shot him in his own apartment building, but nobody saved him. He was long dead before help arrived.
The school loved him, we missed him. The day before he died, I created a board game with chalk in my driveway. Since then, the sensory walk in my school hallway haunts me. Never once did I purposely try it, in spite of how much his death hurt my heart.
I was young when he died. I’ve grown since then, but I certainly haven’t gotten over him. Tears almost always come to my eyes when I hear sad music, reminding me of him. He will forever be in the hearts of my entire school, all the teachers, all his friends, his family, and me.
One side
Seven years old
Secret admirer
Plastic cheap toys from the dollar store
Too hard of a trier
First grade fling
Love at first sight
A small red ring from his heart
Throw it away without a fight
‘That girl is a monster’, he said
He’s the one I liked
Young hearts hurt but they don’t break
Why did I even try?
Four years after I tried once more
He swung the other way and I fled
My heart burst when he declared it
Never trying it again
Teenage Girls
“Don’t be the drama”
“Don’t be a Pick-me”
“Put others first”
“Don’t ever be late to class”
“One hour after school”
“Do your homework on time”
“Don’t speak up”
“Don’t be yourself”
“Don’t be sad”
“Never wear what you want”
“That’s too short”
“Start acting like a lady”
“Wear your hair down”
“You just want attention”
“Being a girl is so easy”
“Cover that up”
“Makeup makes you prettier”
“Skip meals”
“Don’t make a mess”
“Be the perfect example for younger grades”
“You’re too emotional”
“You’re getting a little fat”
“Find yourself a nice boy”
“You’re a mess”