Because I Teach Kindergarten, That’s Why!

Threes figures converge in a shadowy hall.  Their movements are slow, slightly lethargic.  They are laden with the various accoutrements of their profession, and they are heading in the general direction of "home".  Conversation bubbles forth, punctuated by laughter, and groans, whichever is more appropriate.  Two of them have spent the prior hour cleaning and organizing a room containing an abundance of in no way sorted materials.  The general theme was "math" but in reality it had become (over the years) "OH, nobody looks in here, I can stick that on this shelf and no one will notice".   The third has used the time to prepare lessons, materials, and papers for the young souls who shall appear in that space on the morrow.  

Now, however, they are heading toward the night with the lighthearted relief that comes from a long day of work.   As the begin to walk towards the glass doors leading to outside the three freeze.  They have spotted an individual outside the door.  She is neither intimidating, nor alarming, but the three respond much as their young pupils do, "If we stand still enough maybe she won’t see us!"  This is rather quickly followed by an attempt to scurry backwards and "hide" from the unknown visitor. 

The woman is staring at the three as though she isn’t quite sure what she just saw really happened.  The three are once more frozen and pondering their next move.  Finally the one (who’s students are of a slightly older age than the two) approaches the visitor and inquires as to her presence.  Upon hearing the reason she recommends to her that she attempt to gain entrance through another door, as a gate blocks the end of the hallway at that one (and as the door would not be opened to her even if it didn’t).  The visitor expresses her displeasure and eventually humphs off.  It should be noted that during this entire exchange the two (once again, much like their pupils) neither moved nor spoke.  "If we stand still enough she won’t see us!"

The visitor left.  The three remained inside for a good ten minutes laughing hysterically at what a sight they must have been, and debating whether or not the visitor was gone.  Until, once again, the one provided the solution.  As long as the door was fully closed behind them, it would be impossible for anyone, even them, to regain admittance until morning.  The solution was acted upon, the two laughing once more at their idiocy in response.  Farewells were thrown through the night air, and the three became separate and individual entities.  Each headed to a different location, and each laughing still at the absurdity of the occurrence.