The Magic of Matriarchy
Maia R ( 6th Grade )
Ever since she had been a small child , Eleanora Buccetti had loved two things : cats and space . She loved to watch the stars in the sky , and she had always wanted a cat . Her mother had always said , “ Wait until you ’ re older , Elle . You are just too young .” Elle always hated when her mother said that . Every single time , Elle replied , “ But Matriarchy ,” for that was what Elle called her mother , “ That is what you said last year , and the year before , and the year before that , so please , can I get a cat this year ?”
“ Absolutely not ! With that attitude , you won ’ t get one until you move out ,” sniffed Matriarchy . Then she would walk away to wash the dishes or finish the grant she had been writing or whatever she had been doing . Elle would scowl and walk back to her room . She would usually put on pajamas , brush and floss her teeth , and go to sleep .
Many years later , Elle decided to become an astronaut . She had had 16 years of schooling , plus another four years of astronomy training . One day , in mid-October , Elle went into work as usual .
“ Buccetti , please report to the deck ,” a voice called from the intercom . Elle walked down and opened the door . “ What is it , ma ’ am ?” “ Goodness , Buccetti , what on earth are you wearing ? You look like a hippie just entered
2047 ,” the captain of the 2034 Horus 18 ship , Verity Brochure cried . “ I do apologize , ma ’ am , it has been a while since my husband did laundry . I would do it , but Carlos insists ,” Elle replied earnestly to the shocked captain .
“ Well , I suppose you have an excuse . Anyway , I called you here for a very important reason . I have a secret that I would like you to announce in a very surprising way . Can I trust you ?” “ Of course , ma ’ am .” Elle shot to attention . “ All right . Here it is . I … am retiring ,” the old captain sighed . “ Oh , my goodness , miss !” Elle cried . “ You are retiring ? The entire force will miss you dearly , I can speak on their behalf , I ’ m sure .” Elle put one fist to her heart and pounded twice on her chest .
“ Thank you , Buccetti ,” the captain sighed . “ Now , can you think of some clever way to get the news out ? Besides , well , just telling everybody .”
“ Yes ’ m . I do have one in fact . What do you think of this idea ? So , I will put a note in the locker of everyone here telling them to look in a certain place . Then , once the person finds that place , a button will be pressed and a voice will say , ‘ I am very sorry to inform you that Captain Bruchere is retiring .’”
“ Well … I … I just love it ! Do it ,” the captain encouraged . Elle grinned broadly and left the room .
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