Wednesday Paper Planes to Big Boss

As I ascended the narrow rungs of the staircase that will lead me to the rooftop of this building, thoughts of how much I loathe my career path flooded my mind. Never in my entire existence have I thought of being a high school teacher. My parents forced me into this but I still could not convince myself that it's my call to teach.

To escape all the pressures and strains of teaching ill-behaved rascals and to get the peace and quiet I seek for, I frequently go to the rooftop of the academy's main building where a little greenhouse is situated. I have to take a breather from all the noise and the headaches brought about by those scalawags.

As I reached my haven, I saw that there wasn't anybody there and that pleased me. I scanned the place and it was still as clean and relaxing as it had always been, just like the first time I've discovered this sanctuary. But, a few months ago, I've started seeing paper planes oddly resting on the floor area and I do not have the slightest idea about their sudden appearance, only that I see them every Wednesdays.

Walking through the part of the rooftop not covered by the greenhouse, I have spotted another paper plane. I picked it up and took a good look at it. It was just like the others. On the left wing of the plane, inscribed were the words "To: Big Boss". I unfolded the origami and there I saw a note stating:

November 27, 1988, Wednesday

Dear Big Boss,

I am in high spirits because I got to visit her again. I told her a lot of stories about school and the neighborhood. I also gave her a portrait of her that I have sketched at the back of my Physics jotter. I know she was thrilled to bits because of my present and I wish I could see her reaction but you wouldn't let me.

I miss her already and I know I am going to see her soon. This Christmas, please let me?

Sincerely,

TJ

I refolded the cryptic note and put it in my pocket wondering who TJ and Big Boss were. Similarly, it had always been an unsolved mystery for me who this girl TJ was talking about. Maybe she's his beloved, if TJ's actually a "he". Then I remembered that I only have an hour for my break time so I shrugged the thought off and pigged out my lunch.

Later that day, classes were uneventful and guilt haunted me for the infamous lie I always have to tell my students – that I am not biased and I would treat them all the same. Most teachers are also using that line. Although, it is really difficult for my part to live it through because there was this one student in the front row who does not interact well with others. He was sullen and his uniform was always unkempt and his hair uncombed. He looked like he's so hostile that if I wake him up during his sleep while in the classroom, he could just stab a knife directly to my heart. Call me judgmental if you please but I never really liked this kid even from the start of the class. He never listened to whatever I say and he does not do well in his academics. He only slept or stared blankly and that really exasperated me. I have already reached the point that even using a red marker in drawing a big X mark in his answerless test paper pleased me.

December 4, 1988, Wednesday

Dear Big Boss,

I am not sure if I can still do this. It is hard enough for me that Mom and I are apart. What's even more difficult is that Dad doesn't even seem to care about me. He never goes with me during the you-know-whats. I need him. I need somebody. Anybody. I can't go through with this alone. The pain is killing me and I just want to be with her right now. Please? Please let me be with her again this Christmas?