Aside from the family, the classroom was empty. Phil, the dad, wore a plain white t-shirt and jeans. He turned to his youngest, Jim, a six year old wearing a black t-shirt with a Jolly Roger print, “Do you know what she’ll be like?”
"Avast, no!" Jim bellowed.
He turned to his nine year old daughter, Em, who wore glasses and a lab coat, “Em?”
“Negative,” Em declared.
He turned to his fourteen year old son, Pete, who wore a black shirt, pants and beanie, “Pete?”
“Nope,” Pete growled.
Finally, he turned to his wife, Mill, who wore a tailored blouse and dark slacks, with a stethoscope draped around her neck, “Mill?”
"I'm afraid not," Mill clarified.
The room fell into silence, each fidgeting. Phil scanned the room for hints of life. Slowly his eyes gravitated towards a skull cup which sat on the teachers’ desk. Before he could say a word, Jim started, "Maybe she’s a part-time pirate! See, she’s got a pirate skull on her mug.“
“Maybe she's a secret scientist,” Em stated, “She’s got a cup full of poisonous chemicals.”
“She's probably just a goth,” Pete grunted, “The skull means she likes death.”
“Maybe she was a doctor,” Mill suggested, “Perhaps she just likes skulls.”
“Maybe she’s a stoic,” Phil chuckled, “It could be a memento mori.”
Mill turned to Phil, as did the kids, their faces marked with confusion.
The classroom door creaked open, the family turning in their chairs to get a better look.
In walked a thirty year old woman, dressed neatly in a suit. “Hi all,” she said, strolling to her desk. She sat in front of them, picked up the mug and took a sip.
The family sat quietly.
“Are you okay?” The woman asked.
Jim couldn’t hold himself any longer, “Are you a pirate?” He asked.
“Nay, matey. I could never make it out on the high seas.”
“Are you a scientist?” Em inquired.
“Negatory. In school, I blew up a bunsen burner.”
“Are you a goth?” Pete asked.
“No, I like pretty colours.”
“Did you work as a doctor?” Mill asked.
“Nope, I’m scared of blood.”
“Are you a stoic?” Phil asked.
“I’m sorry, I’ve got no clue what that is.”
The woman chuckled, “Where are you getting these strange ideas?”
The family stared at the cup. She turned it in her hand, revealing the skull. “Oh! I just chose a cup from the pantry. The skull looked cool enough. I just needed something for my tea.”
They chuckled.
“You can call me Susan! Nice to meet you.”
Funny! You got me laughing on the train platform!