Shadows in the Science Lab
This a short story about a schoolboy named Denzil and his evolving relationship with a mysterious teacher, Brother Marcus. Initially intimidated by Brother Marcus’s eccentricities, Denzil discovers a shared history and a passion for science through their interactions. Despite finding academic inspiration in Brother Marcus’s class, Denzil struggles with societal expectations and his own desire to pursue a different path. The story highlights Denzil’s internal conflict and his journey of self-discovery as he seeks to reconcile his passions with the pressures around him.
In the hallowed halls of St. Benedict’s College, Reverend Brother Marcus, a senior teacher with additional administrative duties as Assistant Director, stood as a towering figure shrouded in mystery. His distinctive features — a long nose, piercing eyes, and long eyelashes — commanded attention, while his gruff, horse-like tone left students bewildered. Often found talking to himself and walking the school corridors, he would make enigmatic movements with his fingers. As a result, students found themselves entangled in a web of intrigue, struggling to decipher his abstract concepts and riddles.
Denzil, like his peers, kept a safe distance from Brother Marcus, fascinated yet intimidated by the strange figure in white robes. But fate had other plans. One day, Brother Marcus approached Denzil, his curiosity piqued, and asked him a barrage of questions about his family and personal life. The revelation that Brother Marcus had taught Denzil’s uncle decades ago forged an unexpected bond between them.
As Denzil navigated the long corridors, he would often cross paths with Brother Marcus, whose presence was as unpredictable as it was striking. Despite his attempts to avoid these encounters, Brother Marcus seemed to have an uncanny ability to find Denzil. Gradually, Denzil’s fear began to give way to a cautious curiosity.
During the school holidays, Denzil’s curiosity got the better of him, and he asked his uncle about Brother Marcus. The truth was astonishing – Brother Marcus had indeed been his uncle’s class master. The connection was real, and Denzil’s fascination deepened.
Brother Marcus’s behavior, however, continued to perplex Denzil. He would appear in unexpected places, sometimes sans his white robe, and invite Denzil to explore his vast collection of books in his room. Denzil, though diplomatic, tried to politely decline these invitations, unsure of what lay in store.
As the next academic year approached, Denzil found himself pressured by the school administration to enroll in advanced level classes, despite his true passion lying elsewhere. Torn between societal expectations and his own desires, Denzil reluctantly agreed to the advanced courses.
Denzil felt lost and disconnected, like a ship without anchor, wasting his time. But everything changed when he stumbled upon the advanced science faculty, Brother Marcus’s domain. Here, a new side of the eccentric teacher emerged. Brother Marcus’s exceptional mathematical and scientific skills came to the forefront, impressing and intimidating his students with the depth of his knowledge. Those bizarre movements he made while walking the corridors? He was actually working through complex mathematical and scientific problems in his mind, a formula factory in motion.
As the head of the science laboratory, Brother Marcus was in his element. He moved with purpose among the beakers and Bunsen burners, his once-mysterious demeanor giving way to an almost palpable excitement for the subjects he taught. His abstract concepts and riddles, which had once bewildered students, now took on new meaning as he applied them to complex scientific principles.
Despite this newfound respect for Brother Marcus’s expertise, Denzil still struggled. The school fees, Rupees thirty a month, seemed a burden, and his priorities lay elsewhere. He spent the money on clothes, swimming trunks, and shoes, avoiding the school’s paymaster, Mr. Dawson.
Brother Marcus confronted Denzil about his unpaid fees and waning interest in chemistry and physics. Denzil, feeling exposed and torn, went into hiding, skipping school to avoid facing Brother Marcus and his own discontent.
When his father inquired about his absence, Denzil opened up about his true aspirations — to break free from academic studies. This heart-to-heart marked a turning point. Denzil’s candid confession sparked a journey of self-discovery, prompting him to explore alternative paths that aligned with his passions. Would he find a way to reconcile his desires with the expectations surrounding him, and forge a new future?
