And then there was P.E. class…

The class seemed normal enough; it was situated on the first floor. As I stepped into the class, a warm glow of natural sunlight shone on me through the large windows, it illuminated The rows of sleek, silver desks seemed to stretch on forever (actually, it was 12 of them), each one occupied by a student who looked like they'd rather be anywhere else. The atmosphere was filled with soft hums of chatter, not from my classroom, but from others.

I took in the atmosphere and sighed, “yup, I’m definitely gonna hate it here!” I thought inwardly, feeling a sense of unease as my eyes attuned to the new surroundings.

The room was smaller than I thought, considering the large overall building I saw when coming in. I noticed 11 kids scattered about, each lost in their own world. Some were on their phones, while others were reading books. I spotted an empty seat at the back, the 12th seat.

Beyond the classroom, through the windows, I could see the sprawling school grounds, with separate buildings for the middle and high school sections, each with its own unique architecture and character.

The college building stood tall and imposing, I could see it from the class, its more modern design a stark contrast to the traditional styles of the buildings.

My hand still hovered on the door handle, a testament of my reluctance to enter the class. Anyway, I took a deep breath and stepped forward facing the class,

“H-Hello…” I muttered, my voice trembling slightly from nervousness as I raised my right arm.

I felt like a certain yellow, dopey octopus Sensei.

The room fell silent, all the tapping of screens and flipping of books stopped, with all eyes on me for a brief moment. Then, just as quickly, everyone returned to their activities, leaving me feeling like a ghost hovering on the sideline.

With a sting of embarrassment and heartbreak, I carried myself to the rear corner of the classroom where I would blend nicely with the shadows, my eyes scanning the room for the empty seat I saw before, and I made a beeline for it, trying to avoid eye contact with the other students. I mean, who needs human interaction when you can just stare at your phone, right?

I felt like the ground should swallow me up, right there, as I slid into the available seat, still utterly trying to avoid eye contact.

Knowing those kids, they probably weren’t looking at me, in the first place.

……

As I trudged through the day, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that this school was not for me. From the moment I arrived, I sensed that something was off. The lessons only reinforced my skepticism, covering bizarre topics like "Cryptid Biology" and "Paranormal Ecology."

I mean, who teaches stuff like werewolf anatomy to elementary school kids?! Or were we preparing for Armageddon or something?

The curriculum, which Mr. Nico claimed was "not that different from regular," also included "Intro to Supernatural Principles" and "Mortality Studies" - a fancy name for "book of the dead" if you ask me. My classmates seemed to take it all in stride, but I was the only one exchanging confused glances with... well, no one!

It was as if I was the only person who thought this was all a bit too much for our age group.

Lucky them, maybe they had already gotten used to this weirdness, but I was still trying to wrap my head around it.

……

And then there was P.E. class… And then there was P.E. class... I witnessed a girl my age leaped an astonishing six feet into the air - without a pole! - in what should have been a jaw-dropping display of athleticism. But no one batted an eye. It was as if this was normal, like they were all secretly superheroes or something.

I wasn’t, at all, a secret superhero with superpowers or something – infact, my nickname is “Twig” AKA “Shrimp.”

More kids showcased their extraordinary physical abilities, performing feats that would be straight out of an action movie:

It took place outside in a wide field; first was the obstacle course, where students navigate challenging obstacles, which involved, lifting heavy objects out of their way.

Note: these “objects” were things like, kettlebells – 48 kg or more, medicine balls – 25 kg or more, large, heavy tires (definitely tractor’s tires) – 100 kg. keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and they could have been heavier.

Of course, I rooted myself on the sidelines, like the beans sprout I was.

The dodge ball activity was a nightmare: one of the balls, thrown by a kid, destroyed a boulder.

Between my head and a boulder, which is more sturdy? Actually, even if my head doesn’t break open like a water melon, I’ll still die. So I planted myself, safely, behind the teacher like the weed I was.

At least, even if we got hit, I’ll have a companion on the journey to nirvana.

And they were all fast and agile. It really didn’t make any sense. I felt like any little thing could kill me now.

But overall, I knew where this was going. A sense of dread settled in as I thought; I don't belong here. This place is... it feels no different from my house.

……

By the end of the day, as I waited for my boss (Theresa) at the school gates, I realized something:

This school was probably a place where Weirdos, like my parents, come to polish their craft in doing weird things... Sorry, let me say it in a more understandable way; this school is a supernatural training ground, where folks come to hone their extraordinary abilities. And I have unwittingly stumbled upon it. Suddenly, "Twig" and "Shrimp" became a fitting moniker for me. This is a place I really don't want to be part of. I ended up biting myself in the butt. Ouroboros!

But that Mr. Nico, he tricked me, didn’t he?!

I felt a pang of sadness, remembering the incident with my father and the werewolf girl. I didn't want to follow in his footsteps or be part of his world. I needed to find a way out, but for now, I was stuck.

Anyways, I just have to device a way to leave. I know that I can do it if I put my heart to it! After all, I'm a master of escaping weird situations... or so I thought.

Aaaaand here comes my boss.

She burst into view, running towards me with a beaming smile,

“You really waited… You little shrimp!" She exclaimed sweeping me into a warm hug. Well, I had no choice, I was threatened. But she really loved her toys, huh. Okay, I’ll admit it, she looked just a bit cute. Though, I felt like a doll being squeezed by a Grizzly.

For now, I forced a smile, pretending to be happy, “yes, somehow I made it through,” I replied.

As she continued to cuddle me, her twin emerged, my dark cloud on a sunny day, “Well, well, well. Look who made it through their first day without breaking. Congratulations, Twig.” that cold-hearted brat, Theophilus, spoke in his low-toned voice that just adds to his cold demeanor, “You’ve passed the test, and are now officially Theresa’s plaything.”

I didn't like the sound of that congratulation one bit! I’m I being welcomed to a cult?!

*Mii’iw! I really had to get out of this school!

(Note: “Mii’iw” can be translated to “After all” in native America - Ojibwe)

"Ah, Theo. It's good to see that -"

I started, but then I realized my mistake.

"Huh? Theo?" Theophilus sneered at me.

Oh no! I had reflexively shortened his name like we were buddies! I better apologize, or I'd be learning judo techniques from him, too.

"Ah, n-no, forget I said that -" I stuttered.

"No!" he bellowed with a flustered face. "I-I-I permit you to call me that, okay?"

Ara, I see... this guy, with his antisocial attitude, probably had no friends and THUS, no nicknames. That poor fella. Shucks, what to do... let me indulge him then.

"Geez, if you wanted a nickname, you could've just asked,"

I said, and Theophilus’ face turned beet red with rage.

Gasp!!! I got carried away, again!

"Hah?! Know your place, Twig! I-I was just trying to comfort you!" he spat.

I was taken aback by his outburst, he was the low-tone, Sasuke-type

"... Soooo, I shouldn't call you 'Theo'?" I asked, trying to clarify. “Don’t! but if you choose to defy that order, then it can’t be helped.”

What a brat, acting like some cute Tsundere. This is why he doesn’t have friends.

"Eh? I also want a nickname!"

YELP! Oh my goodness! I forgot about the other brat clinging to me like a leech! And was she sniffing me before?

Anyways, I’ll be in deep water, depending on my response.

"H-Hahaha, o-of course, I didn’t forget you… Thera," I said, trying to sound casual but the moment I said that, her face became beet red.

This was a first for me, seeing her flustered with embarrassment instead of rage. I was surprised, but I wasn't going to let this chance go to waste.

Alright! I’m beginning to get them wrapped in the palm of my hand now! Ha-ha-ha! I thought, feeling like a master manipulator.

SLAM!!!

I was smacked on the back of my head… it hurt, you know?

I rubbed my sore head, wondering what I had done wrong this time.

"What’s with that smirk?!”

I was smirking? I didn’t know.

“And don’t you ever forget to call me by my nickname, ever!" Theresa shouted, her face still red with embarrassment.

"Yes Ma’am- I mean, Thera…" I replied, trying to appease her.

*Yahari, I have to leave this place!!

(Note: “Yahari” can be translated to “After all” in Japanese).

As I held my aching head, I saw Mr. Nico inside the school talking with a teacher as they both came toward our direction. He was probably coming to take us home.

He-he-he, no worries, I just had to bid my time, waiting for the perfect moment to make my move and break free from this supernatural world.

***

6 years later

Report: I never found a way out and ended up finishing elementary school.

Yeah, that's right. I was stuck in that weird school for six whole years. But hey, at least I made some... interesting friends; the 3-leaf white clover in the garden who always listen to my grievances. Ah, and the school gate I talk to whenever I wait for my boss.