WARNING: I don’t think I have ever had such severe writer’s block. I used the picture above as my prompt. Writing less than 500 words took nearly all day, with brain breaks. It is by far not my best work, but I am proud of myself for pushing to the end.

“All of the students excelled on their test, far surpassing those of their parents using the old method,” Shelia reported. Balis smiled knowing that his work would change the world. Currently, kids spent seventeen to twenty years learning the foundations which cost taxpayers millions. Dollars that could fund more military power, or more technological breakthroughs. “Every child needs an apprenticeship starting tomorrow; instead of costing the taxpayers money they will finally pull their weight.”

*******

“Failure to report a break in the system is a felony, do you know what that means?” “Guilt of a high crime as laid out by the constitution, punishable by imprisonment,” the kid answered, straining his neck to look into the eyes of his superior. Lolec stared down at the boy, shaking his head in both disbelief and amazement. Images of his childhood flashed before his mind: playing video games, watching movies, and running around the neighborhood; it was hard to believe that this 5-year-old knew all the things necessary for him to excel in this position. “Just make accurate calculations, and there won’t be a problem, I’ll be monitoring the entire time.” Knowing that the kid was educated didn’t stop Lolec from scrutinizing every move. Little by little, he relaxed as the child showed no mistakes. “May I go to the bathroom,” the boy asked, and Lolec nodded.

*******

Now one can anticipate that a young boy takes a little longer in the bathroom than a grown man, but Lolec thought that this was way too long. Once the door cracked open, he couldn’t help but laugh. Perhaps the kid knew as much as a Ph.D. graduate, but a boy he remained. Quilted toilet paper hung from every reachable shelf, dangling into the two inches of water that covered the floor. Rough music rang out as the boy slapped at the water, grinning up at Lolec. Some may have turned away, but some desire the spirit of youth to course through them once more, if even for a second. Twisting his pants around his ankles, Lolec walked into the room, hitting the water with the flat of his foot.

*******

Under further consideration, Balis, we feel that it might not be wise to accelerate the learning of a child. Very few kids are ready to work, no matter what the standardize tests say, their job is to explore. We are asking the board of education to stop the practice of NuroEdu and return to teaching what matters: Xylophones are fun to pound and increase motor skills, yogurt should not squirt, and Zelda allows for magic.