Free One More Stop by Lois Walden

gallantly with ruler on shoulder toward his desk, the class applauds Mr Willwrite.
    I jump on top of the nearest desk. ‘What is imagination? Where does it come from? How can you inspire yourself? How will you free yourself from the complacency of your life? Creativity will set you free. All you have to do is shut off your brain. Stop thinking! Have a good time, get out of your way and get out of the box. There is no testing in my room. You can’t fail in my class. If you don’t like it here, for all I care, you have my permission to leave the room. Is that all right with you, Mr Willwrite?’
    ‘As long as they read anything by Shakespeare … In the library. I will want a written report next week. But, they can leave the room.’
    I remain perched on top of the desk. All eyes are upon me. Not one student has fallen asleep. Miracle. ‘Let’s do some breath work. Stand up … Come on, get up! Take three deep breaths … Slow down … Now close your eyes. Let yourself be in the wave of your fluid systems. Don’t ask what that is. Whatever it is to you is fine. Now touch into the universe that lies within you … that is you. Sit down slowly … Now, if you haven’t already, open your eyes.
    ‘Take out a piece of paper. So, you’ve been reading Willa Cather’s O Pioneers . That’s right. Isn’t it?’ Many nods. ‘Good. You are going to dialogue with your ancestors … those that came before you. You can dialogue with a grandparent, or great-grandparent. You can even dialogue with a character from the novel. It’s the past we’re tapping into. Write this down. First part: what do you want this character to know about you? Second part: what advice does your character have for you? Third part: as yourself, today, what advice do you have for somebody in the next generation. So, in the third part, you’re dealing with the future; future pacing. Be specific. Who are you talking to? I want names, locations, time of year, time of day … the works. Maybe a scene will come out of it. You might even encounter all three generations simultaneously. Check out the clothes. Who’s wearing what? Who are you? You can become anyone you want. You have twenty minutes for the entire exercise. That’s not a lot of time. Believe me, it’s all the time you need. Remember. Be specific!’
    Molly looks somewhat perplexed. We acknowledge each other’s presence. She begins the exercise in earnest. The entireclass is writing. Not one person leaves the room. Willwrite pushes his homework aside. He too will explore the world of his ancestors. I am overjoyed. It is a great first day at Beatrice High.
     
    After class, I pick up my lesson plan, peruse my notes. To my surprise, I have succeeded in following my own instructions. How lovely to have completed the assignment. Willwrite gives me the thumbs-up sign. Yes! I feel good about those forty-seven some odd minutes.
    As I walk out the door, I see Molly engrossed in bubble gum blowing. She leans against what I presume to be her locker. The bubble bursts. Don’t they all?
    ‘Hi Molly.’
    ‘Hi.’
    ‘Now that’s what I call good conversation.’ Let’s try again. ‘Hi, Molly.’
    ‘That was a great class.’
    ‘Glad you had a good time.’
    ‘I didn’t really understand what we were doing, but I did what I thought we were supposed to do.’
    More than I ever expected. ‘I have an hour before my next class. What are you up to?’
    She shrugs her shoulders. ‘Hangin’ around.’
    ‘I see that.’
    ‘I’m finished for the day.’
    ‘I’m sure.’
    ‘No! I am. Honest. I have study hall.’
    ‘You want to take a walk?’
    ‘I don’t mind.’ That means yes. ‘Where you walking to?’
    ‘Anywhere you want – the road in front of the school.’
    ‘That’s fine.’ We stroll down the corridors of Beatrice High. Molly is somewhat embarrassed to be seen walking with an adult.
    ‘What happened?’
    ‘When?’
    ‘In class. What happened? Who’d you talk with?’
    ‘My