Marked Absent Tomorrow

I was the only night watchman in a government school. At twelve o’clock, the bell started

ringing by itself. From classroom three, a voice said, “Sir, dismissal.” I opened

the door. Every bench inside was empty. Fresh chalk on the blackboard read,

today is the last day. I checked the register. My attendance was marked absent from

tomorrow. Behind me, children clapped softly. The school gate

locked itself. The lights flickered, and my shadow smiled. There was no way out anywhere anymore.