Charlie noticed the man's arrival straight away. Quickly, he picked up a heavy book, dropped the cigarette under it and slammed it down on it, grinding it until it was out. With his other hand, he waved the smoke away. He stood up to attention. It was a habit. That was how they showed respect to their elders, their teachers, their parents, especially the men.
"Sir" he said with a nod, standing to attention. Some habits were just plain hard to get rid of really. And Mr Keating had taught him that there was time for caution as well as daring.