Shnozz

During recess a girl from another classroom who I didn't really know came up to me and said, "Do you remember Jacob S------- ?"

I immediately recognized the name of a former student. It had been many years, but I told her that yes, I did indeed remember him.

"He's my dad," she said. Then, after a few more pleasantries about where he works now and how he's doing, she looked at me curiously and said "He told me...you can balance things on your face."

The cheerful noises of the children seemed to die away as a cold wind blew across the playground, carrying a few dry leaves skittering across the muddy wood chips. The shadow of a passing cloud momentary darkened the ground about us, then moved on. Light and sound returned, and there was the girl looking up at me as if nothing had happened, waiting for a reply.

"Well, people here don't really know that about me, but yes. It's true. I can balance things on my face. Now run along and play. And tell your father I said hi."

As she went off I looked around to see if anyone had noticed or overheard our conversation. Everyone was rushing about their business oblivious to what had just occurred. But I fear the secret is now out. I know it may only be a matter of time before I am once again called upon to exercise this extraordinary power. 

Until then I can only lie low and wait.