Fugue in Uncommon Time

Theodore was not at all sure where the day had gone. Nevertheless, his shadow was growing long in the twilight as he made his way home from the park he often visited after school. The first few weeks of the fourth grade had not been kind to him, and he was on average not very happy.
Why he was unpopular was not obvious to Theodore. He'd received the usual encouragement from caring adults (that is, not his parents), telling him that he'd grow up to be just what everyone wanted: a dashing, talented, socially facile, and totally well rounded individual.
But this didn't do him much good in the present. The contrast was more than noticeable: large, round, thick lenses on his eyes; exceptionally large - almost floppy- ears; and the stature of your average six year old. He found himself to be the opposite of their helpful imaginings, (...more)