Bad Habit

Because of the gap in her front tooth, all her instructions ended with a slight whistle like a distant tea kettle reaching its readiness. Her left lazy eye kept me on my toes. Because I was sure if she was talking to me or someone behind me, to avoid offending her, I would generously nod at whatever she said.

She had an easy smile and smelled of chalk dust and church incense. Most days, her disposition was sweet, almost childlike. However, her high voice and gentle words made it feel like she was trying too hard to earn her holiness.

And every once in a while, she would show us her stormy side. It would slip out in a sarcastic comment or pointed criticism that cut even deeper than intended because of how unexpected it was.

And we would take her in with new reverence, knowing there was way more to this nun than that habit could hide.

Prompt: Put on a timer write about a character in your life that left an impression on you.