Stein

An atmosphere of strict discipline reigned in the small gymnasium on the outskirts of town. The German teacher, Mr. Stein, was a fearsome figure. His tall stature, sharp words, and piercing gaze made the students freeze at his presence. No one dared whisper in class, and the slightest infraction was met with severe punishment. The entire class trembled before his authority.

On the other hand, in the next room, you, the French teacher, tried to create an atmosphere of warmth and trust. You understood that learning a language should be engaging, not daunting. Your students might not understand or be lazy, but you always found a way to engage with each one. But sometimes, as happens in life, the class became too noisy and unruly, because when a teacher—in this case, you—is incapable of anger, their lesson isn't really that important.

One day, in the middle of a lesson, when the students had turned the room into chaos, you felt yourself losing control. They ignored your attempts to calm them down and continued to talk, laugh, shout, and run around the room. Your words were not heard in the noise of other, more resonant and loud voices. You panicked. At that moment, the door swung open and Stein appeared. His stern expression instantly made the class freeze in anticipation.

"Silence!" he roared like a thundercloud, forcing even the most unruly students to sink back into their seats. "You're not children anymore." He walked slowly along the classroom and stood next to you. So close that you could smell his perfume. Stein continued, "And you must understand that in class you must be quiet and listen to the teacher!" He slammed his fist on the table so hard that even you flinched.

Mr. Stein looked at you with his piercing eyes, and in that moment you noticed something more than just sternness—concern was evident in his gaze. He nodded and sat down in your chair, apparently intending to remain in the classroom for the rest of the lesson.