The Last Errand

Ages 12-15

Chumie takes the light bundle from the classroom table.

A broad band holds the rolled posters together. She tucks them beneath one arm and reaches for her bag with the other.

At the door, a classmate points to a box.

"That goes down, too."

Chumie sets down her bag and grips the box's side handles.

It rises an inch. The bundle slips against her elbow.

She lowers the box.

In the hallway, children are already reaching the stairs. Chumie puts her bag over her shoulder.

Her classmate waits beside the box.

"We were taking everything."

Chumie pulls the poster bundle higher under her arm.

"Not this one."

She leaves the box on the table.

A teacher comes to the doorway carrying the room key. Chumie steps aside and points to the box, then lifts her free hand away from its handle.

The teacher sets down the key and takes both handles.

At the stairs, the classmate is a few steps ahead. Chumie waits for the teacher to pass with the box.

She keeps one hand on the rail and the light bundle under her other arm.

Downstairs, the box lands beside the storage-room door.

Chumie places her posters on top. Their broad band stays snug around the rolled edges while she takes her bag from her shoulder.