Mute

Bad news. It seems that Captain Phlegm and his evil Larynx Lancers have managed a hostile takeover of my voice box. I was all fine and good this morning, making phone calls, teaching class, when...dun, dun, dun! [this is how my students write "scary music" into their stories] So, dun, dun dun! I found myself rendered mute. Mute! Mid-lesson.
This caused great excitement among the fourth grade youth in my class. "She can't talk! She can't talk!"one Einstein stated the obvious for everyone in earshot. "Hey! Mrs. R! Can you hear me?" (waved hand in my face). I opened my mouth to chastise the freak, ahem...sweet darling child, and of course, nothing came out. "She looks like a mime," one uttered reverently, staring. "Hey, Mrs. R...go like this!" He began pressing his hands to the sides of an imaginary box. I gave him my most withering glare and headed for my bell. After a sharp ding to the bell, the kids seemed to understand that I meant business, but remained fascinated by my condition.
It was a long day, but this is the most conversation I've had! It's freeing just to be able to get words out. Ahhhh....I hope the phone doesn't ring. I can't bear not to answer a phone.