AFTER THE LAST BELL
Attendance low. Altitude comfortably above average.
Night School
At 3:47, the final bell gives up. High Pepe remains in the back row, sandals on the desk, watching the sun clock out over the water. His notebook contains one date, half a palm tree, and no mathematics. A warm breeze turns the worksheet for him. The teacher asks about the assignment. He nods slowly. He understands the tide is coming in and tomorrow has another first period.
Permanent Record
The front office keeps six facts because seven would require overtime. None have improved since orientation, though the shoreline remains fully accredited.
Homeroom
Shoreline
Arrival
Eventually
Uniform
Leaf-print shorts
Best Subject
Recess
Attendance
Spiritually present
Ticker
$HIGHPEPE
Class dismissed. Pepe is staying.