Gregor's Best Friend Ch. 2
Ms. Chua put down the essay and pinched the bridge of her nose. Gregor's an interesting kid. She mused in her head. Never thought he'd be one to imagine large whatever-they-were. Strange.
Reading the ending again, Ms. Chua frowned. Seemed to her that Gregor had a very emotional attachment to this imaginary friend. That couldn't be good. Maybe she should meet with him and his parents about it, or show it to the guidance counselor. Yes, that was it, she was going to inform his parents and talk to the guidance counselor about it.
She started writing to them. After the formal introduction and the explaining of his essay, Ms. Chua paused. She didn't want to suggest the need of a therapist, but…
I am a bit worried about Gregor. She wrote, He does not participate much in class, and after reading this essay, I feel that it is because he cannot properly interact with the world around him. He might be too isolated, too much in his mind. I feel that perhaps someone should talk to him, make sure that these imaginary friends of his do not hinder his ability to make real friends.
She ended her letter with her name and signature. And then, she worked on writing her comments for the essay Gregor wrote.
Her pen had almost reached the paper when she made a split decision; she would talk to him face-to-face about it. Nodding in confirmation and agreement with herself, Ms. Chua put his essay to the side, and started correcting the rest.
Gregor was walking–gloomily as always–out of his English class when he heard his name being called. Ms. Chua beckoned him closer when he turned. Hesitantly, reluctantly, he moved closer to her.
"Gregor, I've read your essay–" Ms. Chua started. Gregor stiffened apprehensively. "I want to know if you're okay."
What do you think? He thought venomously, but kept his mouth shut. He merely nodded.
"Alright. And I didn't put any comments, because I wanted to talk to you, one-on-one." Gregor suppressed his eye roll. "Now, this was well-written, very deep and personal, but I want you to remember, this was supposed to be a memory. I know you probably couldn't choose out of all the memories you had of him, but next time, try to do what the task says, okay? Then I can give you the grade your writing deserves." With a smile that obviously showed how pleased she was with herself, Ms. Chua patted him on the shoulder and turned away.
Gregor merely left. At least she hadn't talked to him about the 'imaginary friend.' That would've been a nightmare. He walked out of the room, glad to be rid of all this 'imaginary friend' and possible 'I think your son is delusional.'
And then his smile melted from his face as she called his name again.
"Gregor, please give this to your parents." She handed him a sealed envelope with his parent's names on them.
Uh oh.