This week’s prompt over at Carrot Ranch gave me an idea immediately. I think the story is one teachers will relate to, as it recalls my days as a second- and third-grade teacher.

The prompt is this: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a honeymoon story. It can be between a couple before, during or after the honeymoon. Or it can refer to a honeymoon period.

I bet the teacher-types are already on board. Here goes!

The First Day

Twenty-five sets of eyes look up at me from the carpet, eager to hear the first story I’ll read to them. They sit in perfect criss-cross-applesauce formation, a leftover from their first-grade experience.

Such bright young eyes. Half an hour in, and I can tell this will be a good year.

As I crack open my worn copy of The First Day Jitters and read the opening lines aloud, a girl cries out. “Ow! Stop!”

I check her nametag. “What’s wrong, Cheyenne?”

“Bryce pulled my hair!”

The boy behind her grins mischievously.

I sigh. Is the honeymoon over already?