Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

Happy Endings

The children sat entranced with their legs crossed and resting their heads in their hands.

They stared up at Miss Hawkins as she read with great animation.

“What big teeth you have Grandma…..All the better to eat you up!”

The School Principle opened the door and slipped into the classroom.

“And,” continued Miss Hawkins, “the wolf burst out laughing and so did Little Red Riding Hood. Get out of Grandmas bed and help me make tea before Grandma gets home.”

The Principle look puzzled and stared at Miss Hawkins. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Did you just change the ending there?”

Miss Hawkins smiled at the children. “Now run off to your play stations and draw a picture of Little Red Riding Hood.” She turned to the Principle. “I don’t believe we have to expose children to mindless violence.”

The Principle picked up the book which had numerous hand written editing notes over the pages. “I can’t believe you did that,” she said.

There was a copy of Cinderella on the new teachers desk.

The Principle picked it up slowly, “And what have you changed in this one?”

Miss Hawkins coughed slightly and turned a light shade of red. “I think we have to demonstrate to the children that we live in a progressive society and everyone is accepted and loved.”

The Principle flicked through the pages. “Tell me,” she said. “How have you achieved that with Cinderella?”

Miss Hawkins coughed again, “Slight changes to reflect modern relationships….. no more Prince Charming, it’s Princess Patricia but the story still works nicely don’t you think?”

The Principle let out an exasperated breath. “I’m not going to ask about ‘The Three Little Pigs’. My office, tomorrow 9.00am, sharp.”