I’d taught and was wearing a tie and carrying my briefcase. When I was a student, I always felt better when the teacher dressed up. It suggested that his or her job was a real one. As for the briefcase, I look at it like a safe. Students see me putting their papers into it, and it makes them feel that their stories are valuable, though it is a drag to carry. As I passed the woman in front of the L station, she said, “Oh, look at him. The little man. Thinks he’s a big fucking deal because he’s carrying an attaché case.” I crossed the street with my head down, shattered because she could see
...more
