Late for School

I woke up this morning and looked out my window, And saw the familiar sight of pitch black. I fell back into bed and buried my face in my pillow. “Get down here!” yelled my mother, “Or I’ll give you a smack!”

I got dressed and threw my pajamas on the floor, And I trudged my way towards the elevator. I didn’t mind my room, ‘cuz that’s what robots are for! My bed, my clothes, the maid will take care of it later.

The elevator opened without a mere sound, I stepped inside and pressed the button “Kitchen Room”. Up, down and sideways the elevator pranced around, Until it gently stopped, with a distant boom.

The doors slid open, and I made my way to the table. My now cold breakfast was already sitting there. My drowsy, sore and tired legs proved unstable, As I sat down heavily on top of my chair.

After my soggy breakfast, I washed my face, Still evidence of sleep weighing down my eyes. I put on my spacesuit at a sluggish pace, Heavily burdened by the weight of my thighs.

I locked the air-tight door- I was no fool. I felt the weight off my body, and my knees unlock. And with great leaps and bounds I travelled to school, Across the dusty and barren red Mars rock.

I paused for a moment, and looked into space. Wondering why we destroyed our world, the Earth. I was late for school, so I quickened my pace! But why can’t we return to the place of my birth?

As I made it to school, I was 10 minutes late. My classmates began to snicker at me. As I entered, I felt the return of the weight. Praying that my teacher would just let me be!

I approached my chair next to my best friend, As the teacher approached me with an angry face. “You’re late again,” she said. “It’s becoming a trend.” I slumped down in my chair, assuming my place.

As the day dragged on, I found the courage to inquire, “Teacher, why can’t we return to Earth again?” She looked at me, annoyed, and simply replied, “What year do you think this is, two thousand and ten?”

Grade 10 | Appleby College

Hannah Nilsson