School Bell © Derek Boge 2001
We can all control our own actions, our own thoughts, and our own movement. All of us have that ability. Basic human sort of thing. We walk around when we want to (except when the teacher is talking), we all get up and sit down if we so desire. Basic stuff here. Every single person in this school can do it. But at some certain times in our life, an all-powerful object will take control of our every thought and movement. No, not some horrible disease or something so mundane. No, not at all. It is . . . it is The Bell.
Not some alien technology or world-dominating weapon either. No, no, something much more powerful and much, much more sinister. The origins of the school bell are a question that puzzles historians the world over. Has it been used in war, or peace? Who devised this potent device? Will it ever phase out? Interesting. Such a common, artless piece of work . . . it has taken the form of a puppeteer, pulling our little legs and bodies around at its whim.
Amazing that something so gosh darn simple could control the minds and bodies of over a thousand people. Oh, yes. It affects our impressionable minds and our fragile bodies. Moving us through its cycles like a well-oiled machine, it never stops, never takes a rest. It was there yesterday, it is here today, and it most certainly will be there tomorrow, Screwed to the wall like an ominous eye, it watches our every move. When we get restless and start toddling around the room, it rings and pushes us to the next waypoint on our map. It doesn't stop. It doesn't quit. It stays, and will never go. Ahem. It never works the first day.