July 20, 1969
The whole neighborhood was gathered at my house to watch man take his first steps on the moon. I sat glued to the TV as Neil Armstrong climbed down the lunar module ladder.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," Armstrong said as his boot touched the powdery gray surface. Cheers erupted around me at the historic moment.
I watched in awe as the two astronauts explored the alien landscape, picking up rocks and taking photographs. To think just a few years ago, no one even knew if landing was possible. But through science and innovation, we achieved the impossible.
As Buzz Aldrin joined Armstrong, planting the American flag on another world, a strange sense of destiny stirred within me. These pioneers proved that with hard work and determination, anything could be accomplished.
I thought of my father, of Mr. Adams' cruel words, and all the obstacles stacked against me. But if we could reach the moon, who's to say what else the future may hold? Perhaps one day, it would be my name and discovery that inspires the world. For now, I could only watch and dream.
I felt a sinking dread as we entered the familiar classroom. Mr. Adams sat with his usual smug grin, clearly relishing whatever trouble he'd stirred up now.
"I'm afraid young Walter here may not pass into high school," he announced without preamble. My mom looked bewildered - she knew I was a solid student.
Mr. Adams launched into a story about catching me smoking pot, which was an outright lie. Mom started protesting but he talked over her, suddenly laying a hand on her shoulder. "Not to worry, Mrs. White. There may be... another way for him to pass."
The implication made my skin crawl. I went to wait outside, trying to block out the muffled voices within. Soon Mr. Adams emerged, his shirt untucked and hair askew. He leered at me before striding off. "Your mother is one fine lady" he said as he walked off with his suitcase.
Mom appeared shortly after, visibly shaken but relieved. "You passed eighth grade, sweetie. You don't need to worry anymore."
Though free of Mr. Adams' trap, I burned with rage at his continued abuse of power. One day, I would find a way to ensure he never hurt another student again. But for now, I just wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.
