Ricci Schwarzler - Predator

The children sat quietly, cross legged on the floor. They were small humans, not above 6years of age. Far from fully formed, but getting there. Fairly gullible, but that gullibility was gorgeous.

Their teacher smiled inwardly at their cuteness.

She was explaining the photos of the animals in the wild. Some are called predators and some are called prey. The small humans looked at her with blank faces. So she went on to explain the difference in a slightly sanitized way.

“Well children, some animals eat grass and others eat meat.”

Ok still no reaction. Getting a bit impatient at their stupidity…

“And some because they eat meat have to eat the other animals that eat grass.”

There was a herd dawning of consciousness as the small humans realised what she was saying. One by one the tears welled in their eyes. The disbelief in their little unformed faces emerged, and then it arrived. The floods down their cheeks, the open mouths with such loud wailing she never knew was possible.

She was struck by the size of their mouths and the overall herd mentality. She was analysing it, observing it and putting it all together in her head, when the principal stormed in to see what was going on.

She looked up and realised her mistake. Oh my God they were small humans.

The next week she fended off and addressed complaints about her actions from parents of the herd. She explained how she tried to delicately teach them the difference and one by one the parents understood. Phew, she thought to herself. Crisis controlled and eliminated. That week she the small humans about flowers and unicorns and rainbows. So much better. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Friday afternoon as the children skipped off happily, smiling and waving at her, the Principal popped in. He looked happy. Actually, he looked quite satisfied with himself. Like he’d had a great idea and was quite chuffed with his own brilliance. Thank God he didn’t look unhappy and he must be pleased that the parents are off his back.

‘So Miss Johns, it seems as though you have managed the situation well.’

‘Yes it appears that way Mr Wolf.’

‘Now we just have to satisfy the Board who have heard about the incident and want me to address it. There’s been talk of you being ‘let go’.

‘WHAT? OMG! Really? Well… I’m happy to meet them and go through it.’

‘Yes that could work, but lets catch up for dinner tonight and you can run me through your thoughts.’

‘Oh sorry I’m busy.’

‘I don’t think you are Miss Johns. We’ll do it at my place, 8pm.’