The sole of my right sneaker suddenly pulled loose with a loud rip, flapping under my foot like a broken tongue. Ouch! I felt a rip across my heart.
I stumbled forward, arms flailing for balance, I grabbed a stool and steadied myself. My hair let loose with the jolt, covering my face.
A few students already in the classroom burst out laughing. The sound echoed off the walls.
“Look at that!”
“Meanie girl can’t even walk straight… Did she wear a bad shoe to Uni?”
More whispers flew around the room, louder now. “Meanie… meanie…”
I buried my face toward the floor, cheeks burning hotter than fire. I could only thank my hair for covering my shame a little. I didn't know what best to do. Turn and go back to the door, limping? Or limp to a seat and have their mean words leech me to death?
