Dawn of Rebellion

History is going to be my death. My chin tilts down as my mind wanders off in an attempt to stay awake. Mr. Giles has been wittering for the past half hour, and I can’t remember anything he said. My eyes droop as weariness washes over me. I’m so tired. Tired of this class. Tired of this school. This entire life.

It used to be easier, but I don’t like to dwell on the past – hence my disdain for history.

England sucks. It has sucked for a long time. That is our history. But don’t say it, or they’ll come for you. A sigh escaped my lips, and the boy in the row next to me gave me a curious look. I shake my head and look down at my desk.

“The Colonies,” Mr. Giles says. “Represent the worst that can happen to a modern society.”

My slowly closing eyes snap open. Year ten is our first chance to learn about the mythical colonies. Suddenly wide awake, I lean forward and rest my elbows on my desk. We’ve all heard the stories since we were kids. The truth is hidden in those tales somewhere. But now we get the whole picture.

Mr. Giles continues. “They are proof that the strong countries will survive amid disaster, and the weak will perish. An entire nation was destroyed. Let us never forget the mistakes that led to their demise.”

I am listening so intently that the bell signalling the end of the day makes me jump out of my chair. “Your homework for tonight is to choose one of the many reasons the colonies were destroyed and write a one-page paper. Use your textbooks. You’re dismissed. We’ll pick this up on Monday.”

I look around in a daze and barely notice my classmates packing their books. Everyone is chatting and smiling as they leave the room, excited for the weekend. I slowly move around my desk, grab my rucksack and head for the door. Everything I pass is a blur as I go to the exit. Excited chatter fills the hall as students hurry by.