Time For School Sabaha Amir Rana   © Copyright 2025 by Sabaha Amir Rana

Photo by Pixom on Unsplash

After some time, only Addy, Ju-Ling, and one last opponent are left on the court. Everyone else is sitting on the benches, watching like it’s a championship game with Vicky cheering wildly “LET’S GO ADDY! JU-LING! DESTROY!!!” The last opponent is a tall Grade 6 kid nicknamed “Tank.” He’s holding two dodgeballs like they’re part of his body. Addy whispered to Ju-Ling “Okay. I’ll distract him. You finish this.” Ju-Ling nods like a secret agent. Addy charges Tank with a fake throw. Tank panics and launches a ball straight at her. Addy ducks, barely missing it, and rolls to the side.At that exact moment—FWIP!!! Ju-Ling lets her dodgeball fly. It arcs perfectly, spinning through the air like it has its own soundtrack. BOINK!  Direct hit. Right in the shoulder. Tank drops both balls. Everyone said“OOOOOOOOOOH!!!” Coach (writing on clipboard) said with awe “Remind me to recruit these two for the school team…” 

When they were walking to lunch, Vicky exclaimed “That. Was. EPIC. I didn’t know you two were the dodgeball dream team!” Addy (laughing) said “I think Ju-Ling’s the secret weapon.” Ju-Ling shrugs “…Maybe.” Cut to Addy’s thoughts: a tiny daydream of her and Ju-Ling winning some wild international volleyball-and-dodgeball hybrid tournament, holding gold medals and eating snacks on the podium. During Lunch, Addy, Vicky, and Ju-Ling sit at their usual table. Addy’s got a turkey sandwich. Vicky’s got noodles in a thermos. Ju-Ling pulls out her bento box, and it’s stacked with shiny, perfect dumplings again. Vicky pointed to the dumplings with chopsticks and asked “Okay, I HAVE to ask. Where do these dumplings come from? They look like they belong in a food commercial.” Ju-Ling softly said “My grandma makes them.” Addy (with her mouth full) said “Your grandma needs a dumpling restaurant.”

An announcement comes on over the PA system. A PA Voice screeched “Reminder: Volleyball team tryouts continue tomorrow. Coach is especially watching for teamwork and effort!”Addy freezes mid-bite. Vicky glances over. Vicky told her “You’re so in. Coach literally saw you dodge a cannonball and live.” Addy modestly said “It wasn’t a cannonball…” Ju-Ling explained “…It kind of was.” They all giggled. Then— Vicky said “I still think Ju-Ling should try out too. Right, Addy?” Addy (serious now) said to Ju-Ling “You’re really good. Why don’t you?” Ju-Ling pokes at her dumpling with her chopsticks, then says softly “I like playing. But not in front of people.” Beat of silence. Addy nods. Addy said with a shrug “That’s fair. But… if you ever change your mind… I want you on my team.” Ju-Ling looks up and gives the tiniest smile. Vicky does a dramatic slow clap with her chopsticks.

Vicky said with a giggle “Wholesome moment. 10 out of 10.”

Volleyball tryouts

Addy walks into the gym holding her water bottle, tying her hair back. There’s a group of kids stretching and whispering nervously. Coach is at the far end with a clipboard and a booming voice “Today is about teamwork, not just spikes and serves!” Addy spots Tank (the dodgeball guy) already warming up, now somehow even taller. She gulps but stays cool. Vicky’s in the bleachers with a huge homemade sign: “GO ADDY!!” drawn in rainbow marker. Addy called out “You’re not trying out?” Vicky grinning explained “I’m allergic to running. I’m here for moral support!”

Drills Begin

Addy nails every pass and dive. She’s calm and focused. Coach watches her carefully. Then comes the scrimmage match. Addy’s team is mixed with random players — and Tank is somehow on her side. Coach (shouting) said “This match will decide who makes the shortlist!”

The game starts. Chaos. Everyone’s shouting. Tank hogs the ball.

Tank (grunting) yelled “Got it! MINE!” He spikes it straight into the net. Twice. Addy (to herself) said “Okay… we need to play smart.”

Addy starts yelling orders. With Addy leading, the team suddenly clicks. She’s calling plays, setting up others, diving to save shots. Final rally — Addy fakes a spike, then sets the ball perfectly to a shy Grade 4 kid who taps it over. Point! Coach blows the whistle and shouts“That’s it!”

Addy’s sweaty, tired, was glowing a little. Vicky running over said “YOU. WERE. AMAZING.” Addy (smiling) said “I think I did okay.”A few other kids walked by and smiled or high-fived her. Even Tank gives her a fist bump. Tank said to her“You should be captain or something.” Addy (awkwardly) says“Uhh… thanks?”

Later, at the Bus Stop Ju-Ling’s waiting. Addy walks over, still catching her breath. Ju-Ling handing her a juice box and said “…You were really good.”Addy exclaimed “You saw?!” Ju-Ling nods, looking proud but calm. Addy said softly “Wish you were on the court too.” Ju-Ling says  “…Maybe next year.”

They sit on the bench, sipping juice in silence.

The gym feels different today. Tension’s in the air. There's a big whiteboard with:

“FINAL TRYOUT — GIRLS VOLLEYBALL” About 12 girls are left, including Addy. Coach stands in front, arms crossed. Coach said “Today’s not about being flashy. It’s about how you think on the court. I’m building a team, not a highlight reel.” The clipboard is out. The whistle is ready.

Addy stretches near the edge. She spots two girls whispering and glancing over at her — maybe nervous, maybe competitive. Ju-Ling walks in with her backpack, taking a spot on the bleachers silently. Addy gives a small wave. Ju-Ling gives the tiniest thumbs up.

Addy gets put on a team with three girls she doesn’t know well — one is super tall, one keeps messing up her serves, and one’s trying too hard to impress Coach.

Coach (shouting) said “Let’s go! Show me communication!” The game starts. It’s rough. No one’s talking. Balls drop. Misserves. The tall girl yells at the others.Addy (clapping) said  “It’s okay — reset! Let’s call each ball!”

She starts calling, guiding, not getting mad. Even when the ball hits her arm funny, she shrugs it off and keeps going.

Midway through tryouts Coach pulls Addy aside. Coach said quietly,“Do you know why I’m watching you?”

Addy (blinking) says  “...Um. I don’t know. Because I’m loud?”

Coach (smirking): “Because you make other players better. That’s rare.” Addy’s eyes widen. Now it’s a “mock team” vs “mock team” match — Coach testing combinations. Addy’s put with some stronger players this time, including another girl who’s clearly a power hitter. Addy sets her up with a perfect ball. WHAM — clean spike. The team moves like they’ve practiced for weeks, even though they just met. Addy’s at the center, coordinating, encouraging. Coach scribbles fast on his clipboard. Nods. After Tryouts — Outside the Gym

Everyone’s exhausted. Some are chatting. Some just want to know the results. Vicky waving from the hallway said “You survived! How’s it feel?  “Like my legs forgot how to be legs.” Ju-Ling walks over slowly. She’s holding a small paper cup of bubble tea.

Ju-Ling hands it to Addy “…Victory tea. Just in case.” Addy smiles.

Addy said with a giggle “Thanks. Hope it’s not jinx tea.”

Coach Steps Out with the Final List in Hand. Coach: “Team list goes up tomorrow morning. Outside the gym. If you’re on it… show up ready to work. No days off.” Everyone groans but also looks excited. The table’s full — spaghetti, salad, garlic bread. Addy sits across from her little sister, Olivia, who’s twirling noodles around her fork like it’s an Olympic event. Their mom is pouring juice. Dad’s already eating.

Mom asked Addy, “So! How were tryouts?” Addy (grinning, then sighing) said “Exhausting. Intense. Kinda amazing.” Olivia with her mouth full asked“Did you win?” Addy explained “It wasn’t a game, Liv. It was a tryout.” Dad (smiling) asked “But did you win the tryout?”

Addy  thought about it an said  “...Maybe. I don’t know. Coach said I make other players better. And that that’s rare.”

The whole table pauses for a second. Mom exclaimes “That’s huge, sweetie!” Dad continues, “That sounds like future team captain talk to me.”

Olivia exclaimed “That means you did win!” Addy laughs and twirls her spaghetti. Addy explaines “There’s one more step. The team list goes up tomorrow morning. I’m kind of freaking out.” Mom said with a grin “Freaking out is allowed. Want dessert?” Olivia (shouting) exclaimed “YES!” Addy says “Actually… yeah. Maybe a tiny celebration dessert. Like… a pre-celebration. Just in case.” Dad gets up to grab popsicles from the freezer. He tosses one to Addy, then to Olivia, who catches it mid-noodle-chew. Mom said with a smile “We’re proud of you, Addy. No matter what that list says tomorrow.” Addy (softly) said “Thanks. I just… I really want this.” Beat. Olivia peels her popsicle and waves it dramatically. Olivia said “You’re totally on the team. You’re Addy. You’re unstoppable.” Addy laughed and said,“I tripped over a bench today.” Olivia exclaimed“And you SURVIVED. See?” Addy looking hopeful but nervous — eyes drifting toward the calendar on the wall where “Team List = Tomorrow!” is circled in red.

Math… and Team???

The clock ticks. The class groans. It's a long division day. Mr. Chen is at the board with his “MATH IS POWER” coffee mug and chaotic energy. Mr. Chen says “Alright! If Sally has 124 jellybeans and wants to divide them evenly among 6 friends, how many does each friend get, and how many does Sally cry over?” The Class quietly all said poopy pants! I am skibidi! “Huh?” Vicky whispered “He’s not okay.” Addy quietly said, “Neither is Sally.” Ju-Ling is calmly writing the answer already, unfazed by jellybean drama. Mr. Chen says to the class, “Let’s remember to SHOW OUR WORK like responsible mathematicians and emotionally stable citizens.” He dramatically draws a giant division bracket like he’s opening a treasure chest. Addy keeps glancing at the clock. Ten minutes to lunch. Ten minutes to the list. Vicky (writing sideways on her notebook) wrote “Do you think you made the team?” Addy whispered “I don’t know. I only tripped over one bench this week, so maybe that’s a good sign.” Ju-Ling whispered: “…Your set was perfect yesterday.” Addy was surprised. “Wait, you noticed?” “Everyone noticed. Even Tank said ‘nice’.” That’s basically a gold medal.

Bell rings. Kids burst from class like popcorn. Addy, Vicky, and Ju-Ling grab their lunch bags and sprint. Addy said dramatically “WE HAVE TO SEE THE LIST.” Vicky joined in “NOODLES IN ONE HAND, DESTINY IN THE OTHER.” They run through the halls like it's a slow-mo action movie with dramatic music in their heads. Vicky drops a noodle. Ju-Ling catches it with chopsticks. A crowd of students is gathered around the bulletin board. Addy squeezes through. Her sandwich is sideways now.

Vicky kept asking “DO YOU SEE YOUR NAME? IS IT THERE? CAN YOU READ? DO I NEED TO READ IT?” Addy told her “SHH! I’m scanning—” She finds it. Her name. Addy Choi — Team A.  She stares. Blinks. Double-checks. Yep. It’s there. Then she turns around, eyes wide.

Addy somehow managed to say “I MADE IT.” Vicky immediately jumps into the air like she just won a lottery she didn’t enter.

Vicky acted like she knew the whole time “YESSSSS!!! I KNEW IT! BOW TO THE QUEEN OF VOLLEY!” Ju-Ling does a slow clap. One. Two. Three. Ju-Ling (calmly) said “…Nice.” Addy’s still holding her sideways sandwich like it’s a trophy. “This is the best ruined sandwich of my life.” Tank walks by, sees her name, gives a respectful nod.

Tank said “Told you.” Addy (to herself, dazed and grinning) “I think I’m gonna cry into my sandwich.” Vicky yelled,  “DO IT. MAKE IT A TRIUMPH SANDWICH.” Addy’s still glowing from the team list. Vicky is dramatically retelling the story of “The Epic Team Reveal” to random kids who weren’t even there. “—AND THEN ADDY TURNED AROUND, AND HER SANDWICH WAS JUST LIKE—BOOM—SYMBOLIC.” Addy was confused and said “I really don’t think the sandwich is the focus here—” Suddenly — over the school PA system: PA Voice (Principal’s voice but weirdly excited):

“Attention students: due to… um… an unexpected plumbing incident involving the science room fish tank and approximately 47 marbles, all gym classes are now OUTSIDE. I repeat — OUTSIDE.” Addy said “Wait… what?” Vicky: looked surprised too. “Did she say marbles?!” Ju-Ling (nodding) said “That tracks.”

Students are herded outside like slightly confused sheep. The gym teacher has a clipboard and sunglasses and seems only 60% prepared for this. Coach yelled “New plan. We’re doing cross-sport chaos relay. I just made it up. Let’s go!” The activity involves frisbees, hula hoops, volleyballs, and one inexplicably angry rubber chicken. Nobody understands the rules. Coach yelled “If you can dodge the chicken, you can dodge a ball!”

Addy has to run while carrying a volleyball on a spoon, then pass it to Ju-Ling, who has to hop through hula hoops wearing oven mitts. Vicky is in charge of chicken defense. Vicky (screaming while wielding the rubber chicken) said “I HAVE FOUND MY PURPOSE.” Addy asked rhetorically “Why is this harder than the tryout?!” Ju-Ling (in mid-hop, unfazed) replied “...Balance.”

The three of them fall backward onto the grass, out of breath and hysterical. Addy gasped for air “This… is what champions do… right?” Vicky, with her head high, replied, “Absolutely. Also, I think the chicken has a name now. Gerald.” Ju-Ling: (dead serious) said “Respect Gerald.” Addy, Vicky, and Ju-Ling are walking outside when they spot something strange: a full-on wrestling match between two third graders… over a single traffic cone.

Addy said “Okay… that feels like a teacher’s problem.”

Vicky brushed it off “Nah. That’s nature. Let them sort it out.”

A nearby teacher is sipping coffee and pretending not to see it.

Fire drill…?

Suddenly — BWAAAARP! The Fire alarm goes off. Chaos. Kids scream, drop sandwiches, panic like squirrels in a thunderstorm.

Vicky (clutching her noodles) yelled  “SAVE THE NOODLES!” Addy (confused) yelled “It’s Wednesday! We never drill on Wednesdays!” Ju-Ling (stoically stuffing dumplings into her pocket with a war face) seriously said, “I am ready.”

Everyone is outside. Teachers are holding clipboards and looking flustered. Principal (on megaphone): “ATTENTION. This was not a drill. Someone microwaved a fork. Again.” Vicky asked “Why do we even HAVE a microwave?!” Ju-Ling (munching) said  “…Good dumpling spot.” Addy exclaimed “I swear, if I miss volleyball practice because of a rogue fork…” A kid walks by proudly holding the actual fork. The kid prodly said to them, “It sparked. It was awesome.” On the way back to class, someone spills an entire tray of chocolate milk. Another kid wipes out spectacularly. Vicky yelled “He’s down! We got a slippy!” “That’s like the third one this week.” The janitor appears instantly, as if summoned from a parallel dimension. No one knows where he comes from. His name is Gary. Gary muttered “Milk... again…” Ju-Ling (watching him mop like a hero) said “Legend.”

Quiet time gone wrong

Later, the girls stop by the library. There’s a sign that says: “SHHH = SUCCESS!” Inside: absolute chaos. Someone is reading aloud dramatically from a shark book. Two boys are sword fighting with rulers. Librarian (in the background): “If you break another globe, I swear I will remove Antarctica from the map.” Vicky whispers “I’m pretty sure this is illegal.” Addy replied “This is why we can’t have nice encyclopedias.” Ju-Ling (straight-faced) said “Shark chapter was pretty good, though.” The trio opens their lockers. Confetti explodes from Addy’s. Vicky yells. Vicky yelled “WHO DID THIS?!” There’s a note inside:

“Congrats on making the team, Addy! You’re gonna CRUSH IT! – Olivia :)”

Vicky holds up a mysterious second note in her own locker.

Vicky exclaimes “…Mine just says ‘WATCH YOUR BACK.’”

The school PA crackles. Principal sounds like she’s talking into a kazoo underwater. Principal (barely understandable): “Good morn—zzzkk—students. Today is hat day. Or cat day. Or possibly tax day—” Students look around, confused. One kid is wearing an actual cat on their head. Vicky whispers “I vote cat day.” Addy asked “Why does this happen every week?” Ju-Ling (quietly) said “It’s the same energy as a raccoon in a blazer.”

Class pet disaster

In science class, Mr. Bouchard leaves the class for “one minute” to get batteries. The class tarantula, named Mr. Fuzz, escapes. Student 1 says “GUYS. GUYS. HE’S ON THE MOVE.” Student 2: (standing on a chair) yelled “THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I REPEAT. NOT. A. DRILL.”

Vicky (taking a selfie) said “Say hi to the new class president.”

Addy: (sliding textbook toward spider) “I vote Ju-Ling handles this.” Ju-Ling (calmly placing a cup over it) “…Handled.” Mr. Bouchard returns “Why are you all—wait. WHAT’S UNDER THE CUP?!” 

An unexpected school assembly gets called. Everyone is herded into the gym. Principal said “We are gathered here today to celebrate… Chair Safety Awareness Week.”

Students all think the same thing “HUH?” Teachers demonstrate “proper chair posture.” There are diagrams. There is a 10-minute reenactment of someone falling off a stool in 1998.

Addy asked  “Is this a fever dream?”

Vicky replies “No. This is public school.”

Ju-Ling nos solemly “Respect the chair.”

Tater tots rising

Lunch. It's tater tot day. A beloved day. Suddenly, a kid tries to smuggle out 31 tater tots in his hoodie. Cafeteria Lady shouts “HEY! BACK AWAY FROM THE POTATO!” A dramatic chase begins. Tots fly everywhere.

Vicky ducks “WE’RE IN THE SPLASH ZONE.”

Addy dramatically stands up“That’s it. I’m joining volleyball just to dodge cafeteria food.” Ju-Ling is catching a tot midair with her fork “…Tasty.”

The return of Gerald… The chicken

In gym class, Coach brings back the rubber chicken (Gerald). Coach yelled “You all need to practice teamwork. So today, you’re playing… CHICKEN TAG.” Students all say “What even IS that—?” Coach says “If you’re tagged by Gerald, you have to freeze until someone high-fives you AND recites a volleyball rule.” Vicky’s holding Gerald like a sacred relic “I was born for this.”

Addy (dodging chaos) askes “WHY IS THIS HARDER THAN REGULAR VOLLEYBALL?” Ju-Ling is tagged but calm. “Rule 4-B. You can’t touch the net. I’m free.” PA system crackles again at the end of the day. Principal (clearly over it) says…

“Effective immediately, there is a zero-tolerance policy on microwave forks, gym chickens, and unauthorized tater smuggling. Please collect your belongings and your dignity before heading home. Thank you.”

Last Field trip

Addy, Vicky, and Ju-Ling are seated near the back of the yellow school bus. The engine groans like it already regrets this.

Vicky yells: “I brought SNACKS, GAMES, and a WHOOPIE CUSHION!” Addy says“You are the reason teachers cry in staff meetings.” Ju-Ling (quietly) says “I brought earplugs.” Up front, the teacher (Ms. Wenders) is holding a clipboard and radiating pure regret. Ms. Wenders explains “This is an educational trip. We are going to learn about dust, spoons, and historical socks. Please don’t embarrass me.”

A giant banner reads:

“WELCOME STUDENTS! PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE 500-YEAR-OLD SPOONS.”

Inside, the tour guide is 93 years old and shaped like a raisin in glasses. Guide says “This wall features 73 slightly different shades of beige paint used in 1802.” Entire class is already spiritually asleep. Tank sneezes near a display of vases. CRASH. Vicky sighed. “Welp. We’ve been here for 4 minutes.” “New record!” Ju-Ling: (to Tank) explained “You’re banned in four countries now.” A glass case full of ancient, crusty socks. Kid 1 says “That one looks like it committed crimes.” Kid 2 says  “That one’s just a piece of lint with confidence.” Vicky leans too close. Her forehead fogs the glass. A loud alarm goes off. BWEEEEE!!! Museum Security yells “STEP AWAY FROM THE WOVEN FOOTWEAR!”

There's the Gift Shop Everyone rushes in. It's full of weird pencils, angry erasers, and plush historical figures. Vicky is holding a Napoleon plushie. “He’s angry and two inches tall. Like me in gym class.” Ju-Ling said dramatically “I found a plush fossil. Why. “I found a T-shirt that says ‘I heart 1600s socks.’ I'm buying it.” says Addy. 

Addy pulls out her sandwich. Vicky has noodles. Ju-Ling’s dumplings are steaming in a thermos like royalty. Suddenly, a squirrel appears. And not just any squirrel. A squirrel with ambition. Vicky is screaming. “IT’S MAKING DIRECT EYE CONTACT.” Squirrel yeets itself directly into Tank’s lap and steals half his sandwich. Tank stares“I... respect it“That squirrel has main character energy.” Ju-Ling nods.“Alpha squirrel.”

Half the class is asleep. The other half is chanting “SQUIRREL SQUAD” and throwing granola bars like confetti. One kid duct-taped two rulers together and is sword-fighting imaginary ghosts. Vicky (from under her hoodie) says “The Napoleon plush is our new bus captain.” Addy said “Honestly? He’s doing a better job than the driver.” Ju-Ling snacking calmly as someone crawls past upside-down. “…Good field trip.”