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The Smoking Ruffians |
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"Don't be chicken-hearted! I've been smoking here for the past few weeks. Who
would come to this isolated toilet?" Gabriel retorted. Laughter erupted.
Gabriel, Lucas, Marcus, and Isaiah were notorious ruffians in school. Despite
well-meaning teachers who tried to advise them, they turned a deaf ear to their
counsel. Then, there were the tougher teachers who dished out penalties, but
these recalcitrant boys remained unrepentant. Knowing that if the school gave up
hope on them, these wayward pupils would head down the road of destruction;
thus, the principal chose not to expel them, though they would face the music
for any mischief on their part. Other pupils steered clear of them, partly out
of fear, but the main reason was the unanimous disapproval of their disruptive
behavior.
For the past few months, teachers had noticed that they reeked of the stench of
cigarettes. However, they were not caught red-handed as they had smoked outside
the school compound. Of course, their movement after school hours was not
monitored. These notorious boys would stake out at some quiet corner and puff
away.
"You call yourself a friend? You didn't even tell us about this little piece of
paradise until now!" Marcus asked with mock sarcasm. Too preoccupied with trying
to outdo one another in their boisterous, senseless wit, they were oblivious to
someone approaching.
The person had the intention of catching them by surprise, so he moved
stealthily. When he reached the doorway, he caught a glimpse of the offenders
smoking.
"What are you doing?" Mr. Singh's bellowed. The boys were jolted from their
reverie, and they stared at the discipline master in dismay. In fact, Lucas and
Isaiah dropped their cigarettes in fright. Gabriel tried to maintain his
composure, but his shock was evident. There was a hushed silence in the room.
However, the boys soon recovered themselves, their initial apprehension replaced
by their smirks and sneers. They straightened themselves and stared at Mr. Singh
as a demonstration of unspoken defiance. "Harming your health again? You need
help. Follow me," Mr. Singh commanded in a voice charged with authority. He knew
rehabilitation would require a lot of patience and care. He was determined to do
all he could to help the boys. |
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