This is part one of a longer story I’ve got planned. Mostly backstory here, but I hope you’ll enjoy nonetheless! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
—————————————————————————
Although it was his first years teaching at Rock Valley High School, Paul Daniels (Mr. D. to his students) was well liked. He attributed his popularity to his classroom philosophy of mutual respect: “I’m going to treat you like adults,” he always told his students on the first day of class, “and, in return, I hope that you’ll act like adults.”
Most of his students reacted very well to this attitude. The school was in a wealthy area, and most students were micromanaged by their parents at every step of their lives. He knew the respect he gave them was appreciated. However, he would be ignorant to believe that was the only reason for his popularity. At only 30 years old, Paul was the youngest male teacher on staff. He also kept in decent shape, spending most evenings blowing off steam at the gym, and weekends playing soccer. This was partially to keep in shape…but also to get him some space from his wife. Things had been…strained lately. He knew he had a reputation among the students as the “hot teacher,” and he didn’t necessarily hate that label.