20 In 5
Twenty stories you can read in 5 minutes each.
Volume I -- December 2011
Publisher: Kevin Shockey
Editor-in-Chief: Gil C. Schmidt
Copyright 2011-- Mis Tribus, Gil C. Schmidt
Published by MisTribus Publishing at Smashwords
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
The Editor's Minute
Welcome to the first collection of 20 in 5. This monthly e-book/app will feature a wide range of flash fiction, stories of between 500-750 words, perfect for reading over a cup of coffee, tea, chai or some multi-syllabic confection you order from a barista. Or for reading in bed, just before entering your world of slumber.
Wherever you may be, we hope you find these mini-breaks in your day an enjoyable spicing, a mini-trek into someplace else and a welcome addition to your digital device.
Thank you and we look forward to your comments!
20 In 5 -- Volume I
All stories in this Volume were written by Gil C. Schmidt.
© Gil C. Schmidt 2009, 2010, 2011
There should be, in every life, that one teacher that simply makes you a better you.
She wasn’t “just” a teacher. Not Mrs. Lansing. Not to Jeremy.
Jeremy had started the fifth grade with a bad mood. His parents had split and because of their having moved around as the marriage crumbled, he’d lost a year of schooling. So here he was, thirteen in a world of twelve. Not a problem, really, except that old Mr. Hatcher, the stupid school’s stupid principal, had told everybody Jeremy’s age the first day.
The first week went by in an angry blur, with Jeremy lashing out at any student who tried to talk to him. They gave up quickly and their ignoring him made him lash out against the only other target in the classroom: Mrs. Lansing. The first outburst made her blink, then say in a soft voice “I expect better from you.” Jeremy crossed his arms and snorted, slumping into his desk.
The next day, Mrs. Lansing asked Jeremy to read aloud and he refused. When Mrs. Lansing insisted, Jeremy erupted. “I don’t wanna read a stupid book to anyone!” he shouted. Mrs. Lansing carefully placed her book on her desk and told Jeremy to meet her after school let out.
As the kids rushed out, free at last, Jeremy sat at Mrs. Lansing’s desk, his body a tight fist. She began to speak, quietly, clearly and though later Jeremy couldn’t remember the words, he could never forget their impact. Mrs. Lansing believed in him, expected great things from him and wanted Jeremy to achieve them all. Yes, life could be a mess of problems, but facing up to them with a proper attitude would always make a positive difference. She made Jeremy a believer and from that day forward, Jeremy devoted every minute to living up to Mrs. Lansing’s expectations.
Jeremy couldn’t wait to get to school and sit off to the side, his eyes riveted on Mrs. Lansing as she discussed the Greeks, fractions, subordinate clauses or entropy. As the weeks went by, his dedication to being the Jeremy he believed he could be started paying off. He would raise his hand more and more often until there came a time when he was raising his hand at every one of Mrs. Lansing’s questions. She would smile to see his eagerness and the day she said, “I know you know the answer, Jeremy, but let’s let someone else have a chance,” was the day Jeremy walked home on air.