[ He's not looking forward to any of the questions Athena might have, and Jeff draws in a breath, readying himself... ]
What--
[ He thinks he sees what she sees, at least for a moment. Three teenagers, a burst of that mean, adolescent laughter he's heard countless times over the years. Usually not directed at him as the teacher, but rather, whichever unfortunate kid was on the outs at the time.
But for Jeff, they're only there briefly. A flicker. ]
no subject
What--
[ He thinks he sees what she sees, at least for a moment. Three teenagers, a burst of that mean, adolescent laughter he's heard countless times over the years. Usually not directed at him as the teacher, but rather, whichever unfortunate kid was on the outs at the time.
But for Jeff, they're only there briefly. A flicker. ]
They're not real, Athena. Don't listen.