Retirement Party

Photo by Victor Clime on Unsplash

After work, I stopped by Pub 178 to celebrate Sue’s retirement after twenty-five years of teaching. By the time I arrived, most people had already gone. I ordered a Hackensack Brewing IPA and joined the three remaining teachers at a small table.

“I got Mr. M out to celebrate. That should count for something,” Lyndsey said.

“I only come out for the important events.”

“Well, I’m honoured,” she said, hugging me.

As teachers do, we talked about students and the school. One by one, they left. Rachel waved goodbye, promising to see us on Monday. Half an hour later, Lyndsey checked her phone.

“I’ve got another party. Have a good night,” Lyndsey said.

Sue and I sat with our empty glasses.

“So,” I said, “has it sunk in yet?”

“I think it will during my final week,” she said. “I told my kids, ‘It’s time.’ They think I’m leaving them.”

“It’s never the kids,” I said. “It’s the adults.”

She nodded. “Never the kids.”

“They love you,” I said. “We’re going to miss you.”

Later that night, my phone buzzed.

Thanks for coming out. I hope you’re a long-term teacher at TJ — not too long, though, haha. The kids need teachers like you.

I stared at the screen and smiled.