The following grumpy dad harangue (from someone named Ethan Brooks on X) reminds me of when our kids were in school. It’s pretty funny—and is more entertaining than most flash fiction I run across. Read it all at the link.
Had a parent-teacher conference this morning
My wife told me not to come
I came anyway
She said “please just listen and nod”
I said “I always listen”
She said “you listen like you’re sitting in a boardroom looking for something to challenge”
That’s how listening works
Nice classroom
Small chairs
I am 6’4″ and was seated at a desk designed for someone who still believes in Santa Claus
My knees touched my chest
The teacher introduced herself
Shared her identified pronouns
I shared my identified adjectives
Smart and handsome
My wife closed her eyes…
Read the rest here.
—Russell Working
The Elephant Box 