Under the Desk

NEW fiction from J Lee Ratcliffe. This piece is also in our latest issue (Volume 15.2) and the winner of our online Sneak Preview poll.

The boy is curled up tightly in a ball under the desk. His arms wrap around his head, tighter, tighter, tighter. They shield his ears, his eyes, his face. Always protect your head. 

It was nothing more than a falling book that sent the boy into the fetal position. The sound of it hitting the floor reverberated around the classroom violently in a sudden cacophony. A different student, Jason, had fallen asleep. This was an offense the teacher’s mentor warned her never to tolerate. Her intent in dropping the book was simply to wake Jason and continue the lesson. 

But the lesson is on hold. A boy is cowering under a desk. His heart is frantic. He holds his breath. They all do.

If he can be completely still, they will think he is dead. They will leave him alone. Sometimes, if they think you are already dead, they will leave you alone.