The year is 1995 in the Colorado mountain town of Gold Springs. Peering into the local elementary school, Penny is teaching just a regular math lesson. She’s shocked to see that every single student is so enthralled with the new concept, especially with such a thrilling topic of long division.
Most of the morning was teaching the actual concept but the flash of recognition slowly but surely showed in each student’s eyes. The engagement from everyone was not only outstanding but also a rarity.
Until an unexpected guest walked into the classroom.
“Oh, Principle Higgins how nice of you to join us! We were just learning about…”
“Mrs. Terrell, I need to chat with you in the hallway,” Principle Higgins interrupts.
Her chest constricts with the thought of every worst-case scenario. “Of course, class please complete the test problems listed in the textbook. This is an independent project, so no talking amongst yourselves. I will be standing right outside the door, so trust me I’ll hear it.”
By the time she finished providing instruction, Principle Higgins was already standing out in the hallway, waiting patiently.
Penny searched his face for any sign of distress but only saw his kind blue eyes staring back at her. The constraint in her chest tightened with each step and her mind went racing:
Was either Clyde or Edmund sick?
Did one of my student’s parents complain about me? Reggie has been a little prick lately.
Am I fired?
Was Randal okay or did that old mine finally collapse?
“Sorry for the interruption, first off your family is fine.”
Without realizing it, Penny places a hand over her chest and letting out a breath that she didn’t even realize was being held.
“But we are letting students leave early today at 1 pm,” Principle Higgins says.
“Oh,” was the only word Penny was able to utter. Relief and confusion flushing her system.
“Yes, well I am making my rounds to each teacher telling them one by one. I suggest finishing the lesson in the next ten minutes and letting the students know about an early release today.”
“What if they ask questions?”
Principle Higgins clears his throat, “just say that we are having an early start to the weekend.”
“And what if the parents ask?”
“The secretary is calling each parent as we speak,” he says.
“Okay,” Penny says. “So what happened?”
A long pause, “I can’t say anything at this moment but it doesn’t concern you nor your family. Just enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones.” He turns around to leave but a brief second later, he turns back around to say, “give your boys extra love and attention tonight.” And he finally walks away to make the same announcement to the teacher next door.
Without warning, a shiver runs throughout Penny’s entire body. She’s not sure what has happened but plans to do exactly as instructed.
One hour later, Penny is driving the minivan home with Edward and Clyde strapped into the backseat.
“Mommy, what are we going to do this weekend?” Edmund asks.
“Hmm?” Penny responds.
“Well, it’s supposed to be a long weekend so I thought you might have something fun planned for us?”
Penny was taken aback by the question. She always knew that her boys were smart but she wasn’t expecting them to be that smart. Should she lie? Or tell them the truth that something horrible may or may not have happened. Considering she didn’t know anything besides the unwelcomed chill that shivered throughout her body, she opted for a lie. “Of course, sweetie. We plan to go for a picnic tonight. How does that sound?”
“We’re having a picnic for dinner?” Clyde asks innocently.
“Why, yes we are. I plan to pack sandwiches, chips, and root beer. Sound good?”
No immediate response, only silence fills the van.
“Mommy,” Clyde asks.
“Yes, dear?”
“Will the monster be gone by the time we go back to school?”
Penny glances into the rearview mirror to see her youngest starring out the window.
No trace of emotion on his youthful face.
“A monster? Where did you hear that?”
“Billy. He says that the school was over for the day because of the monster.”
“Monsters are not real, idiot,” Edmund says.
“Excuse me, mister, we do not call each other mean names,” Penny scolds. She
watches her eldest son roll his eyes but chose to ignore it. The mention of an imaginary creature now has her attention. “No honey, the school did not close early because of a monster. Remember those are all made up. Nothing to fear. Let’s think of a movie to watch later tonight, how does that sound?” Movies were a treat in the Terrell household so she was expecting a celebration erupting from the backseat. Instead, only silence remained.
“I heard the monster did a very bad thing and that the kids were no longer safe at school,” Clyde says barely above a whisper.
“What was that, love?” Penny asks.
But the two young boys continue to stare out the window for the remainder of the car ride.
Penny was expecting to see Randal’s truck parked in the driveway but found it empty once she pulled up to the house. “Hmm, I wonder where daddy is at. It’s his first day off from work,” she says to no one in particular. Looks like she will be entertaining the boys for the remainder of the day. Maybe she’ll slip a little whiskey in a flask. Heaven knows, she will need the extra something to finish out the day.
The picnic at the park was pleasant enough. The boys were well behaved and there was no more talk about monsters. Not to mention the flask full of whiskey took the edge off from the weird Friday they were experiencing.
After munching on ham sandwiches and BBQ chips, the boys chose to play tag. Penny doubted that she could run fast enough to catch the young hooligans but after a few minutes, she found that this tag game was rather fun! They ran around the park looking like a pack of lunatics, laughing the whole time. Only once did Penny wish that Randal was there, chasing after their sons. However, she reminded herself that he was working hard to provide for the family.
Once everyone was rightfully exhausted, they loaded up the minivan and headed home, agreeing to watch The Sword and the Stone tonight.
“Will daddy be home tonight to watch it with us?” Clyde asks.
“I am not sure honey but we’ll make sure to pop extra popcorn just in case,” she winks at
her boys through the rearview mirror.
But once again as they pull up to the home, the driveway remains empty. Annoyance, concern, and a little anxiety fill Penny. And so they carry on.
The movie is over, the bowl of popcorn is fully eaten and the boys have been tucked tightly into bed but still no sign of Randal. As the stillness of the house settles further around Penny, she feels the overwhelming loneliness envelope her.
Today was a weird day. She still has no clue why the school was released early but the look on Principle Higgins’ face still haunts her. Something serious happened and she wished now more than ever that her loving husband was home to provide comfort.
As if she was conjuring him, Penny hears the familiar rumble of the Ford truck.
Randal was finally home at midnight, twelve hours later than Penny was expecting him.
