, and a dead fox squirrel, all of which were looking at me. Mr. Reed began his speech, probably unheard by Coach Taylor and himself, and surely unheard by me. His empty words about what the handbook said about weapons flowed out of the closed doors through the small keyholes. Finally, he concluded by uplifting my spirit, which I heard, of course. He said, “Now David, we have never really had any trouble out of you. You are an excellent student: good grades, extracurricular activities, very active. As you know, the state tests are being given starting tomorrow. We need you to help bring up the school’s overall score. We aren’t going to take any action for this offense…”My heart leapt. I ecstatically thanked them both after he finished. He then interrupted my solitude celebrating; “You will receive your pocketknife at the end of the nine weeks; it will be given to your parents.” I continued where I left off in my concealed rejoicing.In the midst of my rejoicing, I realized what had just happened. I was acquitted because of my accomplishments, my “responsibilities” I had established. I found it amazing, and so political that that could happen. Sure, political and social preference was displayed on TV, but in high school? In my life? I gained a lesson and acquired an advantage pertaining to society and the ladder of success. Being clean cut, social, knowing the right people, and “doing the right things” will take you a long ways up the ladder. ...
