— You’ll be able to choose who will accompany you.
In a few days’ time, we’ll be going on a trip. And we’ll be able to choose who will come with us. I’m well aware that within the walls of this institution, it’s not ‘democracy’ that reigns, but rather ‘symbolic influence’. (The ‘sycophants’.) Ah, what idea could I possibly have at this stage? Simple: I have no symbolic influence whatsoever, but I do have debts, favours to call in and the affection of those who do possess it… So, ‘September’ was the teacher chosen to accompany us. (Purely by chance…).
Of course, the ‘negotiation’:
— … All right, they’re the only five we can still choose from. We don’t have much time, so what do you think?
— … I hold them all in high regard, but I think she’d be better.
— Why…? — Her eyebrows already betraying pure suspicion, as does her tone.
— You know what she’s like; she’d probably be just like the one who accompanied us on the last trip. There were even certain people who, under her inattentive gaze, managed to find time to be alone with their boyfriend—oh, sorry, ‘boyfriend’, isn’t it? — I replied, emphasising the meaning that now comes to mind.
— …
— I know there are two of them, so you can choose the other one.
— … Right, that’s it, — he muttered as he finished filling in the form he’d been given.
What I omitted earlier was that I don’t live off favours.
I’m not proud of it, as I don’t know what the outcome will be, but it’s certainly true that I’d rather have her close by than put up with her extroverted and ‘open’ personality when it comes to those of the opposite sex she talks to…
Should I stop? No, I already have peace of mind, but… this peace of mind… it unsettles me.