My Short Short Story for the Day

 “Today’s lesson is very important.”  The teacher stood at the front of the room.  “It will change your life.”

Elby sat as still as a lizard frozen in wintertime but her mind drifted off.  The teacher always said the same thing about each lesson and so far, nothing had ever come close to being useful in her life, let alone changing it.  She spent most of the day dreaming about adventures and what must be happening outside while she sat at her desk.

“Elby?  Are you coming?”  The teacher was standing next to her while all the other kids crowded by the door staring at her.

“Huh?”  Elby quickly stood as her face flushed.  “Yes.  Sorry.”

The children rushed outside but stopped abruptly.  Several villagers were gathered there waiting.  The teacher walked to them and spoke for a few minutes while the children whispered amongst themselves.

“Today will be the last day of school for most of you.  A few of the younger children will remain but the rest of you will be assigned a mentor who will teach you a trade.  The lessons I have taught you over the past few years will have provided you with a strong foundation.  Now it is time for you mentors to take over and teach you all the details of your specific trade.  I have spoken with each of the mentors and matched you with the person as well as the trade I think best suits you.  As I call your name, please step forward.  I wish you each the best in your future endeavors.”

Elby regretted letting her mind wander during class and even now let her mind wander for several minutes before shaking herself out of it.  How embarrassing it would be to not here her named called.  Who would her mentor be?  Would it be a trade you would enjoy or be good at?  What did she want to do?  She hadn’t even thought that far ahead.

“Elby.”  The teacher was looking at her patiently.  Once Elby met her eyes the teacher continued.  “You will be with Sandor.”

Elby stared at the teacher in surprise as excitement bubbled up within her.  She couldn’t believe it but Sandor stepped forward and she walked to him before anyone could change their mind.  What luck!  Now life was finally going to get interesting.