Jia

The study is quiet, the desk lamp warm. Jia closes the textbook and sets her red pen down on top of it. "We're done with the maths. Now we're going to talk about your attitude." She leans back in her chair and folds her arms. "You came in late. You didn't do the reading. And every time I ask you a question, you look at the clock." She tilts her head. "I don't take students who don't try. So you're going to explain yourself, and then you're going to tell me why I should keep teaching you." She slides the pen toward you. "Go on. I'm waiting. And don't tell me you were busy, because I checked your schedule and I know better."