Writer's High

I came home from school today feeling low; the sinus infection with its continual torrent of drainage running down my red, scratchy throat and the unexpected coughing spasms that left me gasping for air, got the better of me and I gave in. Even though I have not missed a day of work all year, I felt as though I could not endure another eight hours in this condition trying to teach kindergarten children the correct phonetic sounds of the ABC’s. The only compassion I heard from one dear child as my contorted face emitted a cacophonous sound was, “Mrs. Melvin, are you going to throw up?”
Before I left for the day, I confirmed with my principal that he need not count on me to perform my duties tomorrow since my resistance to this irritating malaise was now nonexistent. All I wanted was a hot cup of tea, a warm blanket and a little sympathy from my husband.
While waiting for the water to boil for the soothing liquid I was sure would calm my throat, I checked my email. One message stood out that lifted my spirits better than any prescription drug. The Novelette.com publishing company announced that they were producing a paperback anthology of short stories that had been selected from their contests and my story of two talking turkeys would be included. Now that’s the kind of medicine any sick writer wants to hear. I’m still taking the day off!