Flip Side: About Face

the leaders would come up with ways out of all these things. It seemed mad to me to think people could keep going at something, even if it meant that, in the end, they would die because of what they were doing. Crazy! Like someone sitting on a branch of a tree and sawing the branch off on the wrong side of where they were sitting.

Soon after that, they started the tests. Now we're heading for the sun and we've got maybe ten years left. Every time we orbit the sun we come a bit closer. I don't think we have long. We've got another month before we get past the closest point and already the city is smoldering, then it gets cooler for ten months. I'd say in another week it'll be flames all over the city.

I've nearly finished my drawing of the stairs. They get smaller towards the top, and I've coloured them red and orange. I think it's one of the best drawings I've ever done. I wish I could keep it.

The teacher is either asleep or dead. He's got his head back and his eyes shut. He's asleep. I hope he stays that way till the bell goes. He's as crabby as they come, especially these days, with the heat. Maybe he'll blow a fuse next time he shouts at someone.

I'm feeling sleepy now. I check to make sure the teacher really is asleep and lay my head on the desk. It feels warm against my face. There's a drop of sweat crawling down my nose now. I can see it, hanging on the tip. It falls off and makes a splash on the desk. It's so hot in the room. I close my eyes and let sleep come ...

"Sit up!"

It's the teacher. He's standing beside my desk, frowning at me. He's angry.

"Stay awake, boy!" he says.

"Sorry, sir."

"Didn't you get enough sleep last night?"

"No, sir."

"What were you doing? Shoveling snow?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll have a word with your parents about this!" He walks back to the front of the room.

The heaters are still humming, trying to keep the room warm, but my hands are cold. I slip my gloves back on and blow into my hands. My breath is white.