My Short Short Story for the Day

Kurt tried to listen but his mind kept wandering.  He would be with a small group of children his age, out exploring for the very first time.  He had waited so long for this day and now it was finally here.  A sharp poke from his father refocused his attention on the teacher.

“You have all worked hard toward this honor.”  The woman smiled down at each solemn face with pride.  “Each one of you has earned this right.  Use your knowledge and skills to document all you discover.  But remember…”  She looked sternly at the eager, young faces.  “You are out there to observe and record.  Nothing more.”

She let the silence linger for several minutes before ringing the bell.  After the fifth chime the children said goodbye to their parents, then formed a line to receive their travel packs.  Everyone watched as the children marched single file down the path and into the woods.  Slowly the group broke up, each moving to their own homes to wonder what adventures their children may have, hoping they would be brave and praying they would return safely.

The children marched well into the night before stopping.  After eating a cold meal they climbed into the trees and fell asleep.  Two more days of marching and they were outside the boundaries of the village so the next morning meant the start of charting the new territory. 

Kurt was the first to come upon the strange wall.  To the left it was a shimmery white as far as the eye could see.  To the right it was an inky black stretching out of sight.   The children stood staring from one side to the other and back to the middle.

Kurt stepped forward.  “We will split into two groups.  One goes into the light, the other into the dark.”

Max stepped forward.  “I will lead one group.”

Kurt nodded and divided the children.  “We will meet back here in 10 days.”

“Agreed.”  Said Max.  “Be safe.”

“And you.”  Kurt said then led his group into the shimmery white wearing a brave face and wishing his father was there.