26 Comments

"I hope there are undercurrents of hope as well." As a teacher, myself, I can affirm that where there is a teacher, there is hope. It is our business, isn't it, my friend? Such a hard topic you took on. Everything about this piece works in my opinion. You told us a little more about who Justin is.

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I’m just glad the student was willing to ask for help! There’s the hope.

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Great story Justin! In the times that we are in, I'm sure that is a common practice.

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Tre is a lucky young man. Really good story and writing, Justin!

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Great story. Poetry, a good teacher, and a willing student lays the foundation of hope

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We never really know what a person is dealing with. Unless we ask and they tell us. Powerful writing.

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"I don’t know why, but I wish Mom would sing like she used to."

Beautiful, Justin.

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Powerful and all too common in the real world. Really well done Justin. I'm so thankful for the empathy teachers possess and share with their students. Just one thing, if I may - vodka is odorless. Perhaps it was a cloud of cheap bourbon.

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Apr 24, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

Lot of depth in such a quick read!

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Well done. It's a sad fact that there are many kids who suffer silently.

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Harrowing stuff - feels like it could be the start of something good

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Excellent story, I love how you got so much into just a few words.

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