The teacher sat in front of her class, the blackboard behind her. It was blank, with the exception of the words: "Today's Date: 12/08/2023".
"Let's start with last night's history homework." She began. "Anyone wanna tell the class what we read about last night?"
The same student as always had his hand up, no one else.
“Ok Junior,” The Teacher asked with the slightest hint of exasperation. "What technological advancements arose from World War II?"
“Oh, that's easy.” Junior replied confidently. “The war led to the development of jet aircraft, nuclear power, rocketry, microwaves, as well as important advancements in computer technology, radio communication, and motor vehicles.”
The teacher stood silently for a few seconds, as if waiting for more. “Aren’t you forgetting a big one?” she said at last.
“Oh of course.” Junior facepalmed in embarrassment. “Elimination of aging and unlocking the potential for an indefinite lifespan.”
“That’s right. If it weren’t for cell preservation advancements originally intended to keep wounded soldiers alive on the battlefield, we would still have to deal with getting old and dying after just 75 years or so like generations past.”
"Is that true? They didn't even live to 100?" Asked Junior.
"Only on very rare circumstances, and not much longer than that." The teacher replied. She closed her instruction manual and stood up to approach the class. “Now that's enough of our history homework, on to current events. Anyone hear anything interesting in global news?”
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Junior raised his hand, calling out: “Prime Minister Churchill apologized for his earlier comments blaming problems in South Africa on the end of apartheid.”
“Oh yes, well, that was pretty appalling but I guess we can’t expect someone nearing 150 years old to have the same understanding of racial issues as we do, can we?” The teacher pointed out. “Anyone else? Someone other than Junior this time...yes Janice, go ahead.”
“The Japanese government has passed a law ordering social media companies to ban accounts of anyone who criticizes Emperor Hirohito for his actions during World War II” said Janice.
“Yeah, it reminds me of the laws passed by King Franco last year in Spain.” Continued the teacher. “Any others?”
Jeremiah called out excitedly, “My dad said a leaked report that claims Chairman Mao covered up a mysterious virus that spread within China’s borders and killed thousands two years ago.”
“Oh who knows if any of that is true. It's so hard to know what goes on behind the iron curtain, with the tight control Mao and Stalin have. But enough of this depressing stuff. Anyone have any good news?”
“John Wayne is making his 1000th movie!” Interjected Jerome.
“Yes…” The teacher rolled her eyes. “I guess some consider it good news that he gets to play yet another Marvel super hero. To be honest, I think John Wayne's been going downhill as an actor since he played the Terminator in the 80s.”
Some of the students groaned in disagreement. The bell rang, putting an end to the discussion.
“Ok class, I'll see you on Monday. remember to do your homework.” She reminded them, before checking her phone.
“Hey honey.” Her husband had texted. “Is it ok if my great-great-grandparents come visit this weekend? The ones on my mom’s dad’s mom’s side.”
She sighed. The downside of living in California. Every weekend it was another set of great or great-great or great-great-great grandparents getting their free room to stay in.
“Fine. But only because you were so gracious about my dad’s dad’s mom’s dad’s parents last weekend.” She texted back before switching to the map to check traffic. It was gonna be a long, slow trip home, as always.