Characters:
Mrs. Crowles, a teacher.
Mitch, a high-school senior.

(A high-school classroom. Class had just ended, and the bell had just rung. Mrs. Crowles and Mitch are alone in the room now.)

Mrs. Crowles: Hey Mitch, can I talk to you for a minute? (Sits down at her desk.)

Mitch: Yeah, I guess so. (He takes the seat nearby.)

Mrs. Crowles: I've been worried about you lately.

Mitch: ...Okay?

Mrs. Crowles: You've dozed off and fallen asleep in the middle of class the past three days this week, including today.

Mitch: I'm trying to stay awake, I'm sorry.

Mrs. Crowles: You never submitted your first draft of your essay, though, and the final draft is due in two days.

Mitch: Sorry.

Mrs. Crowles: Mmm hm. Well, what can I do to help you? What do you think you need to do?

Mitch: I don't know, Mrs. Crowles. Graduation's only a month away, so what's the point?

Mrs. Crowles: Why do you say that? I know you aren't the best with turning assignments in on time, but I want you to succeed.

Mitch: Ugh, God.

Mrs. Crowles: It's going to be okay. I'm here to help you if you need it. You can do summer school, extra credit, or join my study hall.

Mitch: There's no way I can do summer school or extra credit.

Mrs. Crowles: Why not!?

Mitch: I don't have time to do anything outside of school. And English is the one class I'm really bad at.

Mrs. Crowles: No time? If you don't mind telling me, why don't you have time?

Mitch: (Deep breath in, hesitation.) I'm very busy... working.

Mrs. Crowles: ...Okay?

Mitch: I have to work two jobs to help out. Plus, my parents are divorced and have been for years. The internet connection and environment suck with both.

Mrs. Crowles: Oh... (She gives him a look of sympathy.) I understand. Have you tried asking your family for help?

Mitch: My family works too; they don't have time.

Mrs. Crowles: But why haven't you come to me sooner?

Mitch: Who cares!? I'm never gonna be able to go to college! I'm not gonna be a writer! What's the point of this stupid essay?

Mrs. Crowles: You should at least try so you can graduate.

Mitch: It's too hard! I try my best and put everything I can into my classes but there's no point in caring anymore!

Mrs. Crowles: It's never too late to change your attitude or your habits.

Mitch: I'm tired, and all I want is to get through high school.

Mrs. Crowles: So if you want to get through high school, why are you just now telling me this?

Mitch: I was scared! Okay?

Mrs. Crowles: Why is that?

Mitch: Of what you would think of me! Of you saying it's just an excuse to not do my work!

Mrs. Crowles: But Mitch, I believe you! I am trying so hard to understand your situation.

Mitch: No one else does. So they might as well never know about it and let me fail.

Mrs. Crowles: Your grade in this class doesn't change the love I have for each and every one of you students.

Mitch: (He slows his breathing as he looks her in the eyes, realizing.) You mean that?

Mrs. Crowles: I do. How are your other classes going?

Mitch: They're... not great. I have D-minuses in two and failing the other.

Mrs. Crowles: Okay, so?

Mitch: But those teachers don't seem to understand like you do. They never seem to be willing to listen like you are.

Mrs. Crowles: Really?

Mitch: Really.

Mrs. Crowles: Okay, how about this? You join my study hall and I'll help you with your essay.

Mitch: Okay!

Mrs. Crowles: I won't write your essay for you but I'll give you tips.

Mitch: You did give me a lot of great advice this semester.

Mrs. Crowles: I know things are tough for you now but you'll get through this. These kinds of things are what study hall is for.

Mitch: I've always used that time to get the easier stuff out of the way.

Mrs. Crowles: But wouldn't the easier stuff be better to do at home so you have time here during school to get help?

Mitch: Ha, yes.

Mrs. Crowles: (She smiles and chuckles along, giving him a school computer.) Good for you. If you have any time off this weekend, we can meet on Zoom to help finish that essay.

Mitch: But I thought it was due on Friday.

Mrs. Crowles: For the rest of the class, it is. But I'm giving you an extension.

Mitch: You're giving me an extension?

Mrs. Crowles: I want to see you succeed. I want to see you graduate. I believe in you. I believe in all my students.

Mitch: I guess I'm fine with paying attention. (He laughs.)

Mrs. Crowles: It's amazing what can happen when you pay attention. (She laughs along with him.)

Mitch: Right!?

Mrs. Crowles: Just shoot me an email if your family needs financial support.

Mitch: Are you sure you're allowed to do that?

Mrs. Crowles: Yes. I understand the efforts you do make, Mitch. Grades aren't the most important thing, anyway.

Mitch: You're great.

Mrs. Crowles: So are you, Mitch.

(The bell rings for the end of the day. Mitch stands up and walks to the door, slowly, and waves Mrs. Crowles "goodbye" for the day.)

Mrs. Crowles: See you tomorrow, kid. (She waves "goodbye" to him back.)

Mitch: You too.

*Author's Note: This play was written as part of a local week-long playwriting workshop I attended, and read at the end of the week at a showing. I'm very happy I'm finally sharing this work with you all!