Present Day Year 2024
"The historical story of today will be about The Cursed Wedding of Slita."
Sarah pressed the remote, and the digital screen lit up, revealing a painted image of what looked like a wedding scene.
A student chuckled.
Sarah frowned slightly but ignored him.
She was used to it.
Sarah worked as a substitute history teacher in an elite middle school. Every day she had to deal with this particular class, and every day, she wished the lesson would end as quickly as possible as they were known for their bratty behavior.
"This painting was created by Roberto Salman in 1523," she continued calmly. "It shows what happened during what was once called the wedding of the century, between King Lucien of Slita and Seraphine Vale, a commoner… the daughter of a carpenter."
She pointed at the screen.
"In the image, the king is on the floor, holding his bride. Her gown is stained with blood. Above them, in the upper gallery, masked men are shooting arrows as the cathedral falls into chaos."
The classroom grew quieter.
"Seraphine died that day," Sarah said.
"And on that same day… Slita kingdom was destroyed."
A few students looked up now, slightly more interested.
"It became an uninhabitable city. Even today, scientists have not been able to explain the sudden plague and strange weather changes that wiped it all out..."
After explaining more about the cursed wedding of Slita to them the bell rang and the class was dismissed
Sarah wasted no time. She grabbed her bag and hurried out of the classroom.
But just as she stepped into the hallway
"Miss Sarah."
She stopped.
Principal Hale stood at the entrance, waiting.
Sarah rolled her eyes slightly and adjusted the strap of her bag.
"Yes, Mr. Hale?"
"I wanted to talk again about the offer… becoming a full-time teacher here."
"That's not happening," she said immediately. "Even the thought of teaching those kids all day sounds exhausting."
She started to walk past him, then paused.
"I'm only here because I need the money," she added bluntly. "And you know money is important."
She took a step forward… then stopped again.
"And I have children to take care of," she said more softly. "They need me every day. The kids at the orphanage are important to me." Sarah tried to be more respectful by explaining to him gently.
With that, she walked away.
Principal Hale sighed.
He had tried many times to convince her.
She was exactly what the school needed, smart, composed, and capable.
Outside, Sarah got into her car in the parking lot.
She flipped down the mirror and stared at her reflection.
Her long black wavy hair was messy.
She pulled the band from her wrist and tied her hair into a bun. Then she wiped off her makeup with a wipe, her expression calm and practiced.
Finally, she covered her head with a simple veil.
Now...
She looked more holy
This was her life.
A normal woman during the day…
And a lay sister at the cathedral by noon.
NOTE: A lay sister is a woman who lives a religious life and helps in the church or convent, but she is not a fully ordained nun and usually takes simple vows while still living in the world or doing outside work (like teaching or helping the community).