Kindergarten Past

I always blame my bad behavior in kindergarten for all the tribulations I go through in my adult life.

I sat with this boy whom I believe was named Herman. A well mannered timid kid, he would sat beside me and mind his own business. He had no choice but to sit with me; we were seated alphabetically. He would rarely engage me in a conversation but would politely indulge my inquiries about his lunch or his assignment. His uniform was always well pressed, hair combed and his shoes shined. A well groomed kid at first look, this apparent self care did not translate to his teeth. They were cavity and plaque ridden. Each tooth was like a medieval spear, pointed and sharp. Maybe it was a source of embarrassment for him, I don't know.

I remember vaguely ripping one of his assignments to pieces because he did not cut a the circle along the line. He asked me why I did that. I simply answered, "It was crooked".

When we were lined up to go to the chapel, he would be in front of me and I would nudge him to go faster.

I would give him a disapproving look if he did not get an answer right the first time.

I would always critique his work and sometimes make him do it again if it was not to my liking.

Years later, I would remember what I had done to that poor kid and I would cringe. I was 6 and I was mean. Purposefully and deliberately.

I wondered what it did to him or if it ever affected him at all?

Sometimes I think that he might be a billionaire somewhere in the world motivated to show me the payback to the horrible time I made him go through when we were kids, or be a hunky supermodel with gorgeous beautiful white teeth. Maybe.

So today, he was on my mind again. I had a rough day at work and I swear I am still being punished for tormenting him.

I wonder...