The offer struck me as ludicrous, insulting. They had me over a barrel and they knew it. I wanted to laugh, throw it back in their faces. I wanted to say ‘How dare you? Is this how little you value me? Well you’ve made a big mistake!’ Then I would turn slowly, leave, and never look back.
I looked them each in the eyes. They showed no hint of sheepishness; they had no qualms about how they were presenting their offer. This was my only chance, their best offering, our last stand. It was a true take it or leave it moment.
What could I do? Saying no was inconceivable. Everything had led to this. I knew this was a possibility when I took the first step and challenged them. I just didn’t expect to lose.
Learn Through It 
I feel your emotion. I admire your strength to stand up for yourself.
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Oh, the suspense! What happens next? I’m so curious. It’s a brief and deeply compelling scene and based on who I place in which position, I can imagine different trajectories and outcomes. Thanks for sharing. Would love to know if you decide to expand on this idea at some point.
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Oh wow. I’m left with tons of questions.
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GAH! Suspense! So… my first read saw this as humorous. I fully expected you to end by talking about your students & whatever challenge you’d lost to them. But you didn’t. So I read it again. This time it was much more ominous. I’ve got my fingers crossed that you lost a bet to some 8-year-olds.
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