Graduation

Mrs. Myrtle Standich accepted an invitation for Ms. Theresa Kane’s graduation party yesterday. Ms. Theresa Kane had received a doctorate degree in creative writing from the University of Minnesota. The party began at two in the afternoon and lasted well beyond seven in the evening. That information, of course, comes second hand, as Mrs. Myrtle Standich left a little before three thirty in the afternoon.

The décor was of intellectual classiness. Miniature graduation caps and diplomas were placed throughout the Kane family garage and back yard. The color theme was purple, gold, and black. Ms. Theresa Kane was most polite and lovingly greeted each and every guest.

A rumor spread throughout the party that some of the guests were, in fact, of no relation by blood or friendship to Ms. Theresa Kane. This was rumor was started by Mrs. Ida Willaby-also in attendance and, it unfortunately requires noting, also on the guest list. Mrs. Ida Willaby came to this conclusion, she claimed, whence she did not recognize a group of younger people. An added piece of supposed evidence was the lack of introduction from Ms. Theresa Kane of these strangers. The rumor led to a reference to these supposed strangers as “crashers”.

The atmosphere could most certainly be described as tense. This tension only worsened when Mr. Walter Collier, also in attendance and on the guest list, found himself in an argument with the young “crashers”. The argument, Mr. Walter Collier would later recall, was over whether it made sense to make doctors of writers. Said Mr. Collier, “I only stated that doctors should be doctors and writer should be writers.” Mr. Walter Collier also added, “Why not say laureates? I’ve heard that before for writers and I am okay with that.” According to Mr. Walter Collier, this compromise went unheeded.

The growing tension let to the decision of an early exit for Mrs. Myrtle Standich, Mrs. Ida Willaby, and Mr. Walter Collier. Ms. Theresa Kane gave a most gracious and appreciative hug and goodbye. Not a word was spoken about the possible strangers to Ms. Theresa Kane, as this would be in poor taste and all in presence cared for her much too much for an untimely faux pas.