Game over.
I say, my voice softer but still unyielding, “because I know you can do what is expected of you. You will finish every assignment, every problem, every exercise. No tricks. No devices. No games until it is done. You will not manipulate me, and you will not convince yourselves that this is optional.”
Their eyes widen, but this time, not with hope, not with cunning, but with the first real hint of respect I have seen in days. They understand. They know that their usual tactics will not work tonight. The house is mine for the moment, discipline restored.
I rise, moving to the table, spreading out their papers, pencils, and books in precise order. Every sheet, every pencil, every ruler is positi