At the detention Room

Simon sat in the corner, scribbling in a notebook. Peter, Bruce, Alan, Paul, and Joe were scattered across the room, half-asleep or looking at their phones.

At the far end, near the window, sat Mr. Jacob. Not at the desk, but leaning back in a chair, one leg crossed, arms folded, watching.

He gave Glenn a nod as he entered. Not stern. Just… measured.

Glenn nodded back and sat down in a chair near the door.

The good news was, he only had to stay 15 minutes.

The bad news (or perhaps good news for Glenn) was, Mr. Jacob was clearly waiting for something.

After checking in with the detention clerk, Glenn was halfway to an empty seat when Mr. Jacob subtly raised a hand and pointed to the corner of the room.

“Glenn,” he said, not loudly—but firmly enough that Glenn knew to follow.

He made his way over, sat beside him, and tried to keep his posture neutral.

Mr. Jacob leaned back slightly in his chair, arms crossed, studying Glenn like he was trying to figure out a puzzle.

“Let’s talk about something,” he began, voice lower now, almost casual. “You were fast in the pool today.”

Glenn glanced at him, cautious.

Mr. Jacob continued, “Do you have any idea how fast? You might’ve broken a record. I'm serious.”

Glenn swallowed, tried to keep his voice even. “No, sir. I just… swam as fast as I could. I didn’t want to stay for detention.”

“That’s fair,” Mr. Jacob said, nodding. “But the others didn’t swim like that. You were determined. Focused.” He paused. “Motivated. That's not nothing.”

Glenn didn’t respond. He wasn’t sure what to say—he’d never gotten this kind of attention, especially not from a teacher like Mr. Jacob.