Mona Lisa Smile

After the window broke, Kate was too tired to do anything but return to her bed and finish her sleep. She barely remembered the night, and when the alarm went off that morning, she had forgotten why it was cold and wet in her room. Then, Kate remembered.

A rush of memories swept over her. She remembered a very vivid dream she had of Mona Lisa and her exploring Italy and walking through the background of her painting. It seemed so real, yet she knew it was a dream.

She eyed the wet corner. The sleeping bag was gone. Mona Lisa was not there.

She got out of bed, carefully. She would sweep the broken glass before she went to school. What had happened last night?

Did Mona Lisa go back? And what about the others?

She filled a bowl with cereal and poured skim milk on top. Seeing the paper lying on the table, she eyed it carefully.

"Famous paintings on exhibit, starting this weekend" said one of the headlines. Kate read a few sentences. "There were a few obstacles to getting this special exhibit on display. The museum curator was injured on the job but has now returned to work. The protective glass made exclusively for this event was found faulty and replaced at the manufacturer's expense."

It said nothing about Mona Lisa and the others missing or damaged. Something had changed last night. Kate was both scared and curious at the same time. She did not know what to expect today.

"I told Will I had a crush on him," said Gina, greeting her as soon as Kate got to school.

Kate was surprised. She replied, "Wow. You finally told him. What happened afterwards?"

"Nothing. He said he liked me too. Hey, I don't want to date him or anything but I just wanted to tell him." Gina said.

Gina was finally opening up. It was a good thing.

"And, did you hear? Will won that scream contest they held at the mall. I always knew he was a good screamer. But I just didn't think he was brave enough to try it. He was keeping it a secret all along. I didn't even know he won until he told me this morning. And guess what! He's going to be in a movie. It is a small movie but it is soooo exciting!" It was funny when Gina was happy. She always chatted non-stop when she was excited and the words would almost run into each other.

Gina stopped for a moment. "Oh, by the way, I heard about your picture being in the art show. That is so exciting! Mrs. Sanderson was so impressed that you liked her assignment well enough to do that second painting. After all, it was just an assignment. But you did great. I love the background."