Written Too Straight

Society expected perfection from Sandra. But is perfection perfect?

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Ms. Sandra Lee always arrived in class five minutes before her English lesson was to begin. There was no reason for this day to be any different. 

The classroom had already risen before she stepped in. The lights were already on, and her students, quiet and standing, ready to greet.

But their morning salutation was not for her. 

She’d always had a problem writing in a straight line on a ledger-less chalkboard. 

But her name was on it this day.

She already knew the kids – there was no need for it.

It was in a line – written by someone else.

Too straight.

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The students offered their polite greeting – almost too polite.

Their grace, too well-crafted.

Responses – too normal.

Sandra observed the teacher – an uncanny replica of herself, doling out marked homework and instructions. 

The students, responding for once without any quiet rebellion. 

They had finally accepted her for who she was. 

But this was not her. Their politeness to this new her – her own erasure.

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The formulae offered by Sandra’s replacement – herself – were doubtless.

Efficient. Perfect. 

The students accepted the model solutions she offered without a single raised hand in protest. 

No digression. No lingering questions. 

The teaching was excellent, but without an ounce of warmth. 

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Then, the letter on her desk.

Thanking her for her service. 

The parents were happy with Sandra’s replacement – she taught in the way the students recognized.

There was improvement. Formulae were clocked correctly, according to the letter. She had taught well, it said.

Just not good enough for – herself.

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Sandra cleared her desk, putting her books and now needless worksheets in a box. 

She carried it past the classroom and looked in at herself, finally explaining the formulae without a single missed equation.

But as she passed the classroom window, the replacement – her perfect upgrade – asked a question.

Then wrote the wrong sum on the board. 

And vanished at the sound of the bell.

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The students with half the needed formulae.

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Original microfiction by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin. AI tags are coincidental.

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