Broken Straps

Robert Kaplinsky drops me off at the front of the district building. I make my way to the room where I'd be presenting. I set up. I go out to the hallway, walk around, long enough to get lost. I'm looking for something. I don't know where my backpack is. Where did I leave my phone? I don't have my wallet either. Maybe I left everything in Robert's car. I'd call him if I had my phone.

I take a few more steps and look down because I feel something is coming off. I'm wearing flip-flops. It's broken. No, both straps are broken.

I can't walk in these. I stare down at the broken straps. No, the straps didn't just get pulled through their intended holes, they are torn! I note the crude and cruel fate that my shoeless feet are in right now. More importantly, why am I wearing flip-flops to a presentation?

Only three or four people are walking about in the building. No one sees me. No one notices me standing idly in the middle of the hallway with non-functional sandals. I yell out to the woman. She comes over. I point to my feet, hoping she'd notice what had happened to the straps without my having to explain. My voice is full of deep self-pity, "I'm trying to get back to my room. Where I'll be presenting today. I don't know the room number, but it exists, I was there earlier. I don't have my stuff. Like nothing. I have no shoes."

I jolt awake.

As if the nightmares before the start of school are not enough. I have #PDNightmares now. I'm about to board my flight, excited to facilitate another full-day PD. I'm wearing my favorite Italian leather boots, thanks.