May 31st, 2005

As I wander through the forest I come across a deer and a squid in the clearing. I can see into the deer and squid like an X-ray. I marvel at all the bones in their bodies. Even the squid had bones. His tentacles were made up of vertebrae. Fascinating.
...the scene changes from the forest to a banquet...
I get into an argument with Mrs. Schafer.
"You've lost a day of pay," she says.
"No way. I am allowed five personal days."
"No. You are allowed four. You have used five, so you are one day over."
Seething, I travel to the Manteno Middle School to find a copy of the employee's handbook. I will prove my claim, I think. The building has been remodeled. A descending staircase replaces the entrance hallway. I walk down the stairs and find an old door. I enter the door and talk to the secretaries.
"I need a copy of the Employee's Manual," I say.
"We don't have a manual for high school employees. In fact we have no manuals here. Call Mrs. Hiser and she'll explain the rules to you."
I leave the Middle school and walk over grassy hills. I reach the High School. I head straight to the basement, for this is where the office is located. As I walk through the basement I think that Mrs. Schafer is probably right. Yet I have no intention of stopping my quest.
"I will finish what I started," I think.