LESSON OF THE HEART The Fall and the Facade

The Fall and the Facade

Literature Class – The Next Day

prof.David Bennett (ML)

Today we’ll begin with a quick quiz. No notes. No talking.

Ethan Clark ( FL frd )

(whispers): RIP to us.

Maya Patel / FL frd

(whispers back): I didn’t even bring a pen. I brought lip balm.

Aria Sharma( FL)

(Whispers while digging through her bag)Wait… wait… where’s my— (Accidentally drops her pen, then bends to pick it up—her chair scrapes loudly. Everyone looks. She hits her head on the desk coming back up.)

Class: Gasps. A few people laugh.*

Ethan Clark ( FL frd )

Classic Aria.

Aria Sharma( FL)

(Turning red )I’m fine. I swear.

prof.David Bennett (ML)

(Looks directly at her, expression unreadable) Miss Aria, are we interrupting again?

Aria Sharma( FL)

(Embarrassed) No, sir. Sorry.

prof.David Bennett (ML)

Next time, enter a room prepared. Life won’t wait for you to find your pen.

He turns away, but Maya whispers to Aria

Maya Patel / FL frd

Did he just roast you with poetry?

Ethan Clark ( FL frd )

Forget the quiz. This is the drama I came for.

....

After Class – Walking out

Maya Patel / FL frd

You okay?

Aria Sharma( FL)

Yeah. Just… bruised ego and a bump on the head.

Ethan Clark ( FL frd )

You should wear a helmet in class from now on.

Maya Patel / FL frd

He really doesn’t go easy on anyone, huh?

Aria Sharma( FL)

Nope. He’s made of ice and sarcasm.

Ethan Clark ( FL frd )

Still… you kind of stood your ground. I think that earns points.

Aria Sharma( FL)

If those points come with extra credit, I’ll take them

.....

Later That Evening – Aria’s Apartment

Aria sits in bed with a book open and a notebook beside her. Her phone buzzes. A message from Maya.

Maya: Bring snacks tomorrow. Or I’ll die during the 8 AM class. Aria: If I survive walking into the room without slipping again.

She closes her phone and stares at the ceiling.

Aria Sharma( FL)

(to herself): Why does he get under my skin so easily?

.....

Meanwhile – David’s Apartment, Late Evening

David sits alone in a small but neatly organized flat. A record player hums softly in the background with classical music. He grades papers with red ink.

He pauses at one paper — Aria’s.

He reads a paragraph. His eyes linger.

prof.David Bennett (ML)

(softly): “Literature is a mirror…”

He leans back, thoughtful, but then closes the paper and shakes his head.

His phone buzzes. A message from someone named “Claire.”

Claire: You missed dinner again. Dad asked about you.

David: Sighs, replies simply: Busy. Maybe next week.

He stands, walks to the window, and stares out at the quiet street.

prof.David Bennett (ML)

(to himself): Keep it professional. That’s all.

To be continued......