"An Education" by Kay West

Vice-Principal William Connors assured them he had done his utmost to persuade the Mayor to keep their small rural school open, in spite of the Depression wiping out any chance of funds. Everyone was hit hard. It was a bleak time for the school and the community.

“But, what about the children, Bill? We can’t forget our duty to the children!”

“Margaret, I’ve done what I can. I assured the Mayor and town council that the teachers and staff will work for next to nothing. There’s nothing more to be done. It’s a lost cause, I tell you.

Margaret’s back straightened. “I’ve not been the principal of this school as long as I have to give in now! There has to be something else we can do to save the school for the kids!”

The three of them turned at the knock at the door.

“Who can that be at this late hour?”

“Excuse me, folks. Sorry to interrupt your meeting.” It was Mrs. Betty Brown. Five of her brood of children attended the school. She held an old cigar box in her arms as she timidly poked her head through the doorway.

“I don’t mean to be a bother, but all of us parents got together and took up an offering. And we met with Mr. Armstrong at the bank to mortgage our homes. Our kids are our lifeblood. We hope this money will help keep our school open. If our kids lose their education, we all lose!”

Margaret threw her arms around Mrs. Brown. The principal knew Betty and the other parents hadn’t learned their wisdom from a book, but was humbled by their determination to provide something better for their children.

~ Fiction Inspired by Edward Hopper's Midnight Meeting ~