Perspective

Todd Whuther sat in the principal’s office of his second grade son’s elementary school. He had been called to pick up Zach, because he had tied his own legs together during gym class. When the teacher came over to find out why three jump ropes were wrapped around his legs, Zach explained that it’s good for a person to get perspective. He had stolen the jump ropes from the girls, and they had cried and told on Zach.

Todd stood up when Mr. Harling, the principal, ushered Zach out of the office. Zach was wearing green khaki shorts, which hung to his shins and a grey t-shirt with a picture of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease. “Hi Zach”, Todd said as he put his arm around the blond-haired boy.

“Hi dad”, Zach said, looking up at his father.

“Mr. Whuther, could I talk to you for a bit in my office?” Mr. Harling motioned toward the open door. Todd told Zach to have a seat and he would be out in a little bit.

Todd Whuther took a seat opposite Mr. Harling. There were two piles of manila folders between the two adults, which made Todd wonder how an elementary student could possibly see the principal’s face when they sat down.

“Mr. Whuther, thank you for coming in.”

Todd got right to the point. “Mr. Harling, I don’t understand what seems to be the problem. Zach tied some ropes around his legs.”

“Jump ropes.”

“Yes, jump ropes around his legs," Mr. Whuther said as he leaned in, irritated at the correction. The principal leaned forward in response, took a large breath, held it for a bit, then exhaled before speaking.

“Mr. Whuther, Zach has been exhibiting some rather bizarre behavior lately. For instance, he takes his shoes off when he enters the school. He dressed as Jesus this Halloween. Yesterday, the only words that came out of his mouth were, “I have to stop the genocide.”