The Substitute’s Bloody Thermos

Kids at Lincoln Elementary discovered their substitute teacher drinks blood during lunch break.

Mrs. Blackwood always wore long sleeves, avoided the sunny playground, and brought this

weird thermos that smelled metallic. Jake accidentally bumped into her and knocked it over.

The red liquid spilled everywhere. She froze. We all froze. Then she laughed

and explained she has a rare blood disorder that requires her to take iron supplements mixed

with beet juice. The doctor said drinking it helps more than pills. She showed us her

medical bracelet. We felt terrible for assuming the worst. Turns out sometimes

the scary explanation is just boring science. Mrs. Blackwood still teaches here and brings extra beet