“Miss, Miss…”
“Yes, Jody?”
“Justin hit me.”
I glance at Justin, studiously bent over his books, certain that he’s scarcely registered his accuser’s existence.
“When was this then?”
Jody screws up her eyes, concentrating.
“Yesterday.”
“Justin was absent yesterday, Jody.”
“Maybe some other time then.”
“Did anyone see this?”
“M-Martin…” She falters over the name.
“Big Martin?”
She nods. He’s from Year 9, four years older.
“Where?”
“Behind the bike shed.”
“What were you doing there?”
“Martin said he’d kill me if I told.”
I sigh. They’ll always find a way to tell… you just need to keep listening.
I’m off out for the best part of the day, so I’ve made the assumption that this week’s photo is school-related; I’ll be adding the photo when it appears. Congratulations to Rochelle on her fourth year of hosting Friday Fictioneers. I remember her first day – it seems like yesterday. I know you’ve had a busy week Rochelle – so hopefully you’ll get a chance to rest now you’re back home. And thank you for four years of excellent hosting – it’s greatly appreciated. 🙂
castelsarrasin 
I had to read this carefully a second time before I realised what you were doing. That is so clever, Sandra
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Oh, you bravely dived in without the photo. And you produced another masterful story, it leaves you breathless in the end.
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It appears this wise teacher was adapt at prying the truth out, even if she had to use a tire tool.
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Dear Sandra,
Close enough. The photo isn’t school related. 😉 As always, your story is well written. Astute teacher. I hope she takes care of the problem child. Again I apologize for the prompt snafu.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely written story.
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Subtly done and so true.
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What a great story. So well structured – letting us think Jody is in the wrong initially, then leading us to the knowledge that something awful has happened behind those bike sheds. Really very good 🙂
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Well done, Sandra. So many small stories within your 100 words.
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I almost decided to write a story about a broken link but the photo appeared just in time. Full marks for creating both a story and a prompt 🙂
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Listening is a lost art. So many problems could be solved if we’d just listen.
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I had to read this a couple of times, I was initially going astray because I was reading Jody as the narrator! I found this story quite compelling when I understood it, and more than a bit ominous.
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Masterful twist! Loved it
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Beautifully written.
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As always masterfully done… with our without the prompt. Your twists ever fail to pull me in deeper. Nice job, Sandra!
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Another masterpiece.
So much depth, so much character, so many troubled lives, in just 100 words.
I don’t know how you do what you do, but if you could bottle it you would be rich.
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If I could sell it, it would be a good start! 😉 Thank you for your lovely comments, I appreciate your reading.
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Lol!
I can feel the teachers weariness.
❤
❤ it
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Neatly done. I’m sure that children in such a situation must be desperately trying to tell someone, somehow.
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Nice one, that teacher! Keep listening and the truth will out.
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Tragic and brilliant.
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You truly are a master at the 100-word story, Sandra. Love how you took us ’round the bend.
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Well done, you lead me through Jody’s story and the teachers doubt to the tragic end beautifully.
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Oh oh oh! There are so many layers of meaning here. Each one can conjure up what it means!👌
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Cleverly done 🙂
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Nicely conveyed Sandra. A wise teacher indeed
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Excellent. Just loved the snappy ending.
Here is mine. https://neelwritesblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/29/neelwritesblog100wordstories02releasedphotoprompt-thewall/
Awaiting your comments on the same. Tks. Have a nice day
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Well-told. A difficult story–starts of funny and ends in a very serious place. Big impact.
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Brilliant narration. Yes, adults need to listen patiently.
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Intriguing story. You really left me thinking…
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Ah. Poor Jody. And perceptive teacher. Brilliant story, Sandra – so well constructed and a very disturbing conclusion.
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