Chain Reaction
written by: Carol Bennetts
I surveyed the vacant room, emptied of all my possessions, personality, hopes, and dreams. Then I spotted the chains, faded pewter in the flickering fluorescent light. My footsteps clicked on the linoleum floor as I strode towards the wall. Climbing onto the counter, I reached towards the ceiling and stretched out my fingers. I gave a vicious yank, and the construction paper chains broke free from the wall and bounced on the floor. Heaving a sigh of relief, I got down and turned to leave, but saw a child standing in the doorway, mouth wide open. I laughed. “I’m retired. You’ll have a new teacher next year. Good luck!”
NOTE:
Based on the Prompt – Breaking The Chain
Carol Bennetts is a New Jersey native who left snowy winters and the world’s best pizza behind to call Texas home. Retired after spending twenty-five years as an educator, school counselor and mental health professional, she is currently working on a collection of short stories and a mystery novel set in Galveston. When not editing her work in progress, she and her husband spend as much time as possible with their three grandchildren.
Latest posts by Carol Bennetts (see all)
- Chain Reaction - July 20, 2026
- Guardian - April 24, 2026
- The Christmas Cake - December 22, 2025
