Page 20 - Contrast1989

CONTRAST 1989

ally concern some vague historical fact that for
no apparent reason had offended him. The
professor who had been happily babbling away
would look very disturbed. His face would begin
to redden at his cheeks until a rush of color rose
to the top of his bald head. The rest of the class,
rudely awakened from pleasant daydreams,
would stare in confusion at this freak of nature.
Another activity Gleckler enjoyed was staring. I
had on occasion been the victim of this disturb-
ing habit. I would be busily scribbling notes
during a lecture' when abruptly I would feel
compelled to look up. Large fierce eyes would be
staring With frightening Intenstty into my face.
They were the eyes of a madman. Terrified I
would jerk my head away and try unsuccessfullY
to resume my concentration. These were all
slight disturbances in my exciting ninth grade
life of endless study halls and tests. Certainly I
wasn't thrilled With my bizarre experiences with
Gleckler. but Since they didn't seriously interfere
With my life they had little effect on me.

This all changed when our Class was
forced to share lockers. Horror filled my soul
When on finding my designated locker I saw the
name Gleckler squeezed next to mine. The
name burned into my brain. My breathing caJIle
in short raspy breaths. 'my heart skipped a beat
and my palms dripped With sweat. I was experi-
encing an anxiety attack ... No....I kept whisper-
ing to myself. "not Gleckler. anybody but Gleck-
ler". The follOWingmorning I was greeted by
what looked like a dirty old sleeping bag hanging
in the locker. On closer very careful inspection
the sleeping bag revealed itself to be a bulky
down jacket. It taunted me as I tried to get
around it to put away my things. Bulky three

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