A Story for my Grandchildren

“Gather round, kids,” I say one day while I’m sitting in my armchair.”

They climb onto my lap, and drape themselves over my shoulders.  I don’t mind as long as they don’t spill my hot tea.

“Is it a true story this time, Savti or one of your made up ones?”  asks five year old May.

I nod.  “Oh yes, it’s true all right, but I think you’ll find it hard to believe! The year was 2020.  Such a perfect, round number, right?  I was almost 13 years old and in the 7th grade, my first year at Junior High School.  And suddenly one day, there was no school!”

“No school?” shouts 10 year old Ran.  “What do you mean no school?”

“Are you sitting comfortably?” I ask, just like my own grandma used to ask before she told me a story.  “Then let’s begin!”