A Story

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Thomas. Thomas was especially excited, because today was the first day of school. He had been looking forward to school all summer. He loved to see his friends and teachers, and play with the toys. And this year Thomas was very pleased with himself, because he would be wearing big-boy underwear, instead of wearing diapers like last year.

Buckled into his car seat, Thomas could hardly contain his eagerness as Mommy drove to the school he loved so much. Mommy chatted as she drove, "Are you so excited for school?"

"Yea! I get to play with toys!" Thomas grinned as he thought about all the wonderful things he would get to play with - the playdough, the blocks, the crayons.

Finally they arrived at the school. Thomas unbuckled himself and grabbed his backpack. He knew just what to do and just where to go. As Thomas approached the school with Mommy, he saw lots of kids walking out of the school in long lines. Mommy explained that it was a fire drill. He didn't know what that meant, but he forgot all about it when he saw his teacher, Miss Emily. He cheerfully waved hello as she started walking toward them.

Thomas looked around as Mommy and Miss Emily talked. He heard snatches of their conversation - "Sorry, they changed some things ... They were supposed to send out a letter ... Not starting until the 16th." He wasn't really listening until Miss Emily leaned down to talk to him.

"Sorry, Thomas. There's no school today. You can come back next week and then you will have school, okay? Sorry buddy."

Slowly, realization dawned over Thomas' little mind. No school today. No school today. How could that be? He had been so excited. Mommy had told him that it was time for school. But now Miss Emily said No School Today.

He felt like his little heart would break in two. Thomas' face crumbled as he turned dejectedly to walk back to the van. No school today. Were there any sadder words in the whole world? All of Thomas' hopes and dreams of a wonderful day at school were crushed, and by the very teacher that he admired so much. He couldn't stop the tears from streaming down his face. No school today.

Mommy walked beside him back to the van. When she had helped him into his seat she gave him a big hug. "Don't worry, big guy," Mommy said gently. "You can come to school next week, and you'll have a great time." Thomas sniffled and nodded. Next week. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Thomas was still very sad. But he knew that everything would be okay.

The End ...

... until next week.