“Do I make myself clear?” she repeated, in a menacing tone. Granny always told us that honesty was the best policy, so I hesitantly replied: “Uh, um, I’m not sure, Mrs Campbell.” My error with her title was like a red rag to a bull: “It’s Ms Campbell!” she screeched, “and what do you mean you’re not sure, girl?” I can’t remember my exact reply, but I think it was something like “I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong” or “I’m not sure what you’re accusing me of.”
Whatever my reply, Ms Campbell clearly didn’t like it and marched over from my desk to her own, determinedly rummaging through the drawers before victoriously extracting a book of blank punishment exercises.