Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FRAGILE (02/23/17)
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TITLE: Handle With Self -Control | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
03/02/17 -
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During the loud and unruly bus-ride she briefed them regarding museum etiquette. In-between reprimanding the girls for too much chatting and the boys’ horse-play, she reminded them about respect for property and ended stressing self-control and with a fourth time saying, “Above all do not touch anything.”
The director always personally welcomed young visitors. He enjoyed sharing his love of history.
“Welcome to the museum of History. I am glad you can visit our very special King Tut exhibit. If you have questions that Ms. Simon or the tour guide cannot answer, let me know. Note that the very uniqueness of our King Tut exhibit places the artifacts up close and personal. Be aware of posted warnings regarding …’
“Blah, blah, blah.” Mike snickered to his buddies, Todd and Mark.
They tried to hide yet, their voices interrupted.
Concluding louder, “… and you can still enjoy the sights while following the rules.” The director stared down the boys.
They lined up to follow the teacher.
“Damn, we missed another speech about rules.” Mike pushes Todd. Todd pushes back which begins a 3-way battle to be last in line.
From Roman Greco through modern periods the class breezed through the museum. The teacher hurried them through lunch to get to the main event at their appointed time, studying the King Tutankhamun exhibit.
The director met up with the class at the entrance.
“This display of King Tut artifacts is unique because the valuable relics are not encased but displayed in the exact same state they were found in 1922. It’s as if you are walking into the tomb when it was discovered. You can experience history like a tomb excavator. But please don’t stray from the path or touch anything.” He pointed to the posted signs.
“Rules.” Mike whispers as makes a cut-throat hand motion.
“Give it a break.” Mark senses the seriousness.
The director leaves. Ms. Simon continues stressing self-control, but the 3 boys are whispering amongst themselves.
“I dare you to touch one thing and I will too!” Mike challenges.
“Not a good idea.” Mark rejects.
“We’ll be the only people with finger prints that travel the world.”
“I’m in.” says Todd
“Whatever.” Says Mark, thinking of many times Mike talks him into things.
After studying pictures of it for the past weeks, seeing it in person was spectacular, even to a 5th grader. The first room was called the antetomb. Gold was everywhere.
Noticing the student’s awe, Ms. Simon reminded, “Don’t forget, take notes and draw pictures for your report.”
Only painted white lines for a path and many ‘DO NOT TOUCH -at risk of prosecution,’ kept visitors from touching or grabbing the relics.
“I wanted to touch the face mask, but here we can stay back without being noticed.” It was if Mike had this preplanned.
There were over 700 objects, most covered in gold. Many with richly decorated jewels.
Students studied the things that King Tut was supposed to need for afterlife, then the teacher gave signal to move on. The three boys wavered.
“Now’s our chance,” Mike spouted.
Mark was first, with Todd as look-out and Mike witness. Mark shuffled toward the contraband. His foot almost crossed the line when conscious took over. He backed up.
Knowing time was short, Mike gave him a fist-sign, then pointed to Todd.
Todd’s self-reasoning kept his feet behind the line as he stretched his tall lanky body then brushed his finger on one of the gold beds. He quickly pulled back just before losing balance.
He ran toward Mike to take over look-out, “You’re up.”
By now, Mark had caught up with class. No sign that anyone noticed.
Mike glared at the Do NOT Touch sign. He stepped across the line and dragged the small throne from under one of the beds. The gold and jewels unexpectedly mesmerized him. Attempting to tip it for a closer look, it fell and jewels scattered across the floor. Immediately, Todd fled to reach the class at Tut’s tomb. Ms. Simon seemingly unaware of the missing criminal.
“NO!” Mike inadvertently shouted.
An alarm could be heard throughout the museum. Mike ran to the class, staying in the painted lines. Security guards and the director were already waiting for him.
Mark admitted his part. Todd apologized for disobeying and Mike lied and claimed it was an accident. The security camera did not lie.
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