You are in art class. It is a beginners course required by the school for graduation. Your teacher is a man who spends his weekends painting deserts and taking long walks on the beaches by his home. He describes himself as easy going and encouraging. He is nice.

Your class consists of rising sophomores and juniors. You are a junior. The class will be easier than you thought. Today the sophomores are being loud during the teacher’s instructions. You are learning about shading and pencil technique. The sophomores grow louder. Especially one boy. Making a gradient takes time and patience. Your pencil should create layers. Do not press harder. Overlap. Your teacher spent 6 months living in Mexico and is fluent in Spanish. He likes soccer. The boy is gesturing wildly while the others laugh. The boy is brown.

José. José. JOSÉ.

“There’s no José in this class”