Dear Teacher at the Copier,
It goes without saying that the copy machine is the hub of the school. Need to catch up on some gossip or see who is walking right with the Lord, spend a few minutes at the copier each morning. I promise that mechanical beast will reveal and challenge the character of even saints.
You need three copies, only three because somebody walked out with a paper from the class set that you repeatedly said, “Do not walk out with one of my papers. I only have a class set.” Naturally, you’re already mad, but not nearly as mad as you are when you see those little red arrows signaling a jam.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” You check your watch. This is not good, not good. Eight minutes before those little gremlins come charging through that wooden door bemoaning the fact that they don’t have a copy to read from, as if reading was ever in the works for Jaden. And then, he’s going to have the audacity to ask if he can sit by Caleb, so they can look on together. Absolutely not. Because by God, I’m going to heal this copier if it’s the last thing I do today.
You pull one lever, which leads to a darkened tunnel, that leads to another lever, that opens a labyrinth of other tunnels. What in the Alice in Wonderland is happening here? Exactly how many pieces are attached to a copy machine?
Like a glimmer of gold, you spot it. The stray sheet of paper causing all the raucous is caught between a contraption that looks like a Medieval torture device. Against your better judgment, you decide it’s worth losing a hand over, so you pull. "Please don’t tear," you beg. "For the love of God, please don’t tear." A gentle tug and the paper slides out like a smooth sleight of hand magic trick.
Houdini is here.
It’s going to be a good day.
You greet Jaden at the door exactly twenty seconds before the bell rings.
“Here is your own personal copy of today’s story, Jaden.”
“No you cannot sit next to Caleb, but I do need a volunteer for a cool magic trick.”
How do you feel about being sawed in half?
-CDB