There was another teacher in the school — everyone called him Mota Master.
He was big and round, with a belly that wobbled when he laughed, but his steps were surprisingly quick and lively. He was fat but kind, always smiling, and had a way of making every student feel important.
Mota Master wasn't strict like the headmaster. He could scold a student and make them laugh at the same time. He had a special talent for turning mistakes into lessons that the children actually enjoyed. That's why everyone, especially Arko, adored him.
Sometimes he brought sweets for the class if they finished their homework.
Sometimes he told funny stories instead of lessons when the day was too hot.
Sometimes he even joined the children's games during breaks, clapping and laughing louder than anyone else.
"Arko! Sit properly before the bench breaks!" Mota Master's booming voice filled the classroom.
Arko froze, then grinned. "Yes, Master! I finished my math homework too!"
Mota Master leaned over, adjusted his glasses, and inspected the notebook. Then he laughed, his belly bouncing. "Well, well! Looks like the sun rose from the west today! Excellent work, my boy!"
The whole class laughed. Even when he scolded, Mota Master's smile never left his face.
During a short break, Mota Master sat under the big classroom window, fanning himself with a folded newspaper. Arko approached cautiously, holding a drawing he had made.
"Master, I drew what you asked us to," he said shyly.
Mota Master peered at the drawing — the crooked lines, stick-figure students, and a comically large version of himself — and laughed so hard that the students nearby giggled too. "Ah, look at this! You've made me fatter than I am!"
Arko shrugged, smiling shyly. "You told me to draw what I saw, Master."
"Then you see too well!" Mota Master chuckled. Then, with a warm smile, he patted the bench beside him. "Come here, Arko. Let me see your work properly."
Arko's heart raced as he climbed onto Mota Master's lap. The teacher's broad arms felt safe and kind. For the first time, he felt special, like the teacher liked him more than anyone else in the class. He sat a little taller, chest puffed out, feeling proud and happy.
"You're a good boy, Arko," Mota Master said, glancing down at him. "Sometimes a little wild, but always trying your best. You do your homework, you pay attention in class — that makes me proud."
Arko smiled shyly, thinking, Master must like me more than the others…
Suddenly, another student shouted from the back of the classroom:
"Master! Arko climbed the mango tree again!"
"What!" Mota Master said, pretending to be furious. "Arko! Are you studying or starting a fruit business?"
Arko scratched his head, trying not to laugh. "Just a little climb, Master…"
"Next time, if you fall, I'll teach your math while you lie in the hospital!" Mota Master said, laughing along.
Even when scolding, his voice was soft and warm. That was Mota Master — big, funny, full of heart, and completely unforgettable.
As the final bell rang, Mota Master waved at the students with a grin. "Tomorrow, everyone bring your homework — and one smile each! Forget either, and no sweets for you!"
The children shouted in unison, "Yes, Master!" and ran out of the classroom, their laughter echoing through the hall.
Mota Master shook his head and chuckled softly. "Ah, these kids… they'll drive me crazy, but they make my heart full."
And Arko walked out with a little bounce in his step, proud and happy — knowing that Mota Master liked him more than anyone else, at least just for today.