Senior Week

Students prepare a master plan

The break room was alight with speculation. Every year for one week, the students played pranks on their most - and least - favorite teachers.

“Last year, my fifth period filled my classroom with stuffed animals!” One staff member said. “Three years ago my room was wall-to-wall balloons!” Another chimed. “What about you, Jim?”

Mr. Patterson poured another coffee into his empty traveler’s mug, never taking his eyes off the small digital clock on the machine. “I don’t much like Senior Week.”

“I don’t blame you, nobody likes Math class!” Some newer faculty softly chuckled to themselves. The more tenured sorrowfully picked at their cups.

He continued, “My students understand that to prank me, they would be risking their graduation.”

“Jim, it’s not that serious - “

Mr. Patterson grabbed his mug and left abruptly. The door slammed behind him.

He shuffled to his classroom and stopped short when he heard whispering beneath the door. “C’mon Joey! We have to get out of here.”

Jim entered his classroom to find every student in their seats. His eyes searched, landing on the slightly open window.

“I certainly hope nobody planned on escaping today.”

Stifled laughs scattered the room.

“What is so funny?!” A pause. “Complete the assignment and turn it in. I’ve got tests to grade.”

Jim stood in front of his chair, scanning the room for anything amiss.

He sat.

*PFFFFFT*

The room watched in horror as Mr. Patterson’s face contorted.

His face flushed red.

*Pffffft*

Muffled and strained giggles fought their desire to become laughs.

Jim stood up and removed his cushion: a completely deflated Whoopee Cushion. He picked it up and held it to the class, ears red with embarrassment.

A crack formed on his face, holding just a moment before erupting into a riotous belly laugh. The class followed suit.