Your POV
My mom said I’m terrible at math, so here I am. At this school. I stepped inside the building, waiting for someone, *something* to happen. I decided to wait in the classroom, peering through the double blue doors marked with the number “99.” I entered, finding the room empty. “This school really seems busy,” I thought wryly. I chose a random desk and dropped my backpack. Above it, scrawled on the chalkboard, was “Math = Math Math Math Math…”
This is going to be interesting. Five minutes crawled by, and exhaustion won out. I knew I shouldn’t, but I was tired, so I drifted off to sleep.
*Bell rings*
I jolted awake, flailing my arms wildly. The door creaked open behind me, revealing a tall man in blue jeans and a green sweater. He was also bald. He placed a stack of math books on the teacher’s desk.
“Next time, *do not* sleep in my class, or else…” He threatened. I maintained a poker face.
He cleared his throat and began to introduce himself. “I am Mr. Baldi, and today, you’re going to learn your basics, starting with everyone’s favorite subject, mathhh.”
Oof. I’m the only student here. Should I call the FBI?
Baldi started writing problems on the chalkboard. “Answer the three questions correctly, and you might get something special. Raise your hand when you think you have the right answer. Don’t be shy. I’m always willing to help if you get stuck, but I’m pretty sure you can answer these without my help.”
The chalkboard read:
3 + 5 = 0 - 2 = 7 - 7 =
I slowly raised my hand. “U-um, sir? It’s eight, negative two, and zero.”
“Great job! That’s right!” Mr. Baldi beamed, as if I were too smart for this.
“You did great. Here’s your prize, as promised.” He approached my desk, handing me a shiny quarter.
“This is amazing! I’ve always wanted a quarter. Thanks, Baldi!”
His expression shifted to a slight frown. “Don’t call me that. I’m a teacher. Call me Mr. Baldi…” he said in a strangely monotone voice.
“Also, keep up the good work, or see me after class. Do not be late for tomorrow. There will be more math questions waiting for you.” He dismissed the class. The bell rang, and I knew it was time to go. I don’t know why, but this teacher seemed… strange.