Stanley Hanklesmann had been on sabbatical long enough. That’s what the calendar said. A large red mark encircled the first day of December. WORK called him. Children must needs be saved. He could no longer wander at (his own) will. Instead he must again do the bidding of the powers that be.

Time to save the world, Stanley. You’ve had a year to laze on the sands. You’ve had a year to recharge your ever readies. You’ve gazed into your navel and had a glimpse of all that is good and holy. Now, my friend. Come back into the real world.

(stock photo)

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*thanks to Dawn for asking about “must needs.” I guess I really show my age by using that expression. It’s an archaic form of speech, which I felt was fitting with Stanley’s demeanor. But I appreciate the opportunity to explain.

Ahhhh I looked it up for you. I really AM old, you see.
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I wrote of Stanley Hanklesmann awhile back. He is a combination of several people I know. Their lives are given day in and day out to saving the children of my community. They don’t often get a sabbatical – they don’t take much time off to recharge their batteries. They often burn out before a sabbatical is recognized as a need. I salute these workers.

Written in answer to VV’s Challenge: glimpse

Shaelynn gazed out her window at the building storm.

“Mesmerizing, innit?” drawled Adam. He absently brushed a curl off Shaelynn’s neck, then kissed the bare spot left behind.

“Adam, do quit. Watch with me. Look – just look how the waves crash against the rocks and over the sands. Oh, I do wish it could be this way forever. Just you and me and the waves.”

“I’m sorry, darlin’. I love you, I do. But this is our forever. This moment is all we have. Let’s just enjoy it tonight. No more thoughts of tomorrow. Just us. Just here. Just now.”
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written for Velvet Verbosity’s 100 word challenge: SANDS.