ONCE WHEN I WAS TEN YEARS OLD
Let me level with you. Ben punched Jeremy in the nose at recess this afternoon. Jeremy called Ben a queer, faggot, something. Ben has temper problems. I’m sure you’ve noticed. He hasn’t learned to use his brain yet. It just drags him around like a rag doll. He’s not a bad kid, but this can’t go unchecked for very long.
Jeremy had a pretty serious nose bleed. His parents aren’t overbearing, so there’s not much left to do. I suggest having Ben apologize to Jeremy. You may want to offer to replace his sweater. About his anger—Ben needs to slow down a little bit. Does he get enough activity at home? Does he have enough around him to keep him stimulated? I’ve seen other young students take this turn. There’s something about young promise that sours if it isn’t kept in the proper conditions. Ben is right there, right now. He’s becoming increasingly volatile, but I believe it’s because he’s bored. We just need to keep Ben moving, is all. Keep his mind busy so that it doesn’t have time to boil over. Do you think you two can help me with that? Do you understand what I’m asking, here?
