Intentions

Intentions

Jared stood before the principal, hands behind his back, eyes on the floor.

“Show me what you have in your hand.” Principal Callo said.

Jared, fidgeted.

“Jared, I know I seem stern, but I’m not as angry as you may think… yet. Mrs. Wiles sent you to me because you wouldn’t show her what was in your hand. She’s your teacher, you should have shown her, it’s her job, and your responsibility. Now let me be clear, you have to show me or you will be in a lot more trouble. Open your hand.”

Jared held out his hand and opened it. He was holding a stone.

“What were your intentions.” Principal Callo asked.

Jared looked confused, “Intentions?”

“What was your motive for picking that up at recess? You know you’re not allowed to throw stones, were you planning to throw it?”

“No!”

“Well, why did you pick it up then, what did you ‘intend’ to do with it?”

“I was going to give it to Ms. Wiles, after I fixed it.”

“I don’t understand Jared; how can you fix a stone?”

“Well, see, I was going to bring it home and have my Mom help me paint it red and then we’d paint clear stuff on to make it shiny. I wanted to give it to Mrs. Wiles for Christmas. See it’s shaped like a heart.”

Principal Callo looked at the stone, then at Jared. “You may pick up this stone at the end of the day, Sir. Your intentions were noble, your reputation is clear,” he said, smiling.

“Huh?” said Jared.

“You’re not in trouble! Go back to class!”