She smiled, waiting for the bell to ring, backside leaning against the desk, hands folded in her lap. She said nothing, no longer irritated by the heads bent over ill-concealed cellphones. They waited for release, too.
No need to fill the silence, walk around and urge, by activity, a little class participation. Year-long sabbatical granted, she’d head north tomorrow. No final exams or papers, so no grading. She gazed out the window, at clouds scudding across the sky.
“So, Professor Simpson, will you be offering the next level up in Resilience Studies?”
At that moment, the final bell sounded.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2023)
Carrot Ranch prompt(01/02/2023): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a sabbatical. Who needs one or has had one? What kind of tension could a rest create? Where can a break take your story? Go where the prompt leads!
Valley of the Trolls 
The expectative of being free, but I’m sure that last questions will travel with her!
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Maybe taking a page from her own course materials. 😉
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Knowing that a sabbatical or even just a shorter break is coming can definitely already help ease stress. Great take on the prompt.
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Thanks, Nicole!
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Liz, there’s always something we think we might miss and it’s hard to speak a sabbatical out loud. I like that she let the bell be final.
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Time away to study one’s life & futures.
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I love this quiet moment and the layers of character and occupational details.
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Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for stopping by & commenting!
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My pleasure. I love your writing.
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🤗 Thank you! 🐧
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I love this!
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💙❄🐧💙
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Take the carrots and run!
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Hopping to it!
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