No. 189

The whispers had become too loud to be ignored. Mr. Gieger called a class meeting.

“What’s the problem?” he asked the assembled students.

Nobody spoke. The keeners didn’t even raise their hands.

“Simon,” said Mr. Gieger, choosing at random. “Do you know anything about this?”

Simon coughed and shifted in his seat. He wasn’t talking, either.

Someone in the back spoke up. “Mr. Gieger, we’re worried about Kylie.”

All eyes turned to Kylie, who returned the accusatory stares with grim defiance.

“We think she’s getting too into her role,” continued the informant.

Mr. Gieger shook his head. He began to explain that dedication was an important part of theatre, and that actors who embodied their characters were considered talented, not creepy.

Another student cut him off. “No, Mr. Gieger, we don’t care that she’s better than us. It’s just that she’s started biting people. Mostly Warren.”

Mr. Gieger struggled to keep from laughing. “Kylie, is this true?” he asked her.

She shrugged.

Mr. Gieger sighed. “Alright. You can all go. Kylie, stick around. We’re going to have a little chat about the appropriateness of method-acting. And, Warren, you might want to check in with the nurse.”