chapter 4

The fullness in his belly accompanied him throughout the rest of the day. It made it a bit harder to stand up and walk and the prospect of going up two flights of stairs wasn't a happy one. All he knew was that he would have to practice more self-control in the future.

So, the next day, he walked down to the canteen determined to ask for a smaller portion. That ambition was blown away when he saw what was on the menu: lasagna, one of his favorites. Surely he could go one more day before holding back. The absolute size of the slab of lasagna he got was magnificent, it was as large as his plate and threatening to droop off. The only thing that could make his meal even better was a waffle, like his mom used to make. To his delight, he spotted a serving amidst the dessert buffet, a stack of five or so waffles, which he gladly added to his tray.

As he was paying, he looked down at his meal and started to doubt if he could even eat all of that. Also the fact that he had failed his dietary plans in such a grand fashion really chipped at his pride. But when he felt his belly grumble he put those thoughts aside. Now was the time to enjoy his last big meal, not to feel sorry for himself. With that in mind, he sat himself down at the staff table and tucked into his lasagna.

Oh and yes, it was damn good. This was the second time he ate food so good that he couldn't stop, not even with his stomach complaining, he continued forkful after forkful until it was all gone, stuffed into his belly like a sleeping bag. Next up came the waffles, which left him in a state of satisfaction and agony.

He knew he wouldn't be able to resist lunch the next day, and the last of his defenses melted away at the sight of the burgers and fries that made up the menu. Every day, Kyle hoped to get back on track and continue his healthier diet and ended up buying the largest menu and every day he was taken aback at how good it was, and how he just barely managed to eat it all.

The next few weeks went by rather ordinarily. For Kyle, his culinary escapades in the cafeteria were certainly a highlight of the day but he did have more important things on his mind. Specifically, integrating himself into the school system and making sure his students were doing well. To his dismay, no one really paid attention to him in class, except maybe that one dude, who was probably a nerd. Not that Kyle had a problem with that. He was his favorite student, after all. But he almost seemed a bit to- enthusiastic -about being there. Especially in the afternoon lessons, but, to be fair, it seemed like lunch made most of the students more attentive.

Speaking of lunch, it was almost time for it, and Kyle could already feel his belly grumble.