Grace woke up. Not to an alarm, of course. Usually, on Earth, we would wake up with an alarm. In Grace’s world, however, there were no video games, Internet, or electricity. It’s kind of like the olden days. In the 1760s there was probably no electricity, which meant having to make fires to cook food. And no Coca Cola. Yep. THAT’S the kind of life Grace lives.

Kids these days, with their cool gadgets and tech. They just can’t get enough of it. When more stabilized jetpacks and hoverboards come with better standards, kids will be like, “Oh, you didn’t have this in 2020, did you? It’s 3020 now!” Grace went downstairs and ate breakfast. Her breakfast was a simple cooked egg that was cooked over a fire. Grace made a brush and brushed her teeth with some freshwater. She washed herself with water and got ready.

Grace made her own clothes every year. If they didn’t fit anymore, she would donate them to other people. She loved to sew. She exited her house and went to her friend’s house. What would you do at a friend’s house with no electricity, you ask? You’re about to find out.

Grace walked to her friend’s, Rosie, house. They were going to do some fun stuff. When Grace arrived, it was raining outside. Grace said, “Hi!” Rosie said the same thing, and they started to play their board game made of twigs, leaves, cloth, and bark. They made it together the day they became friends. “I’m planning on having Sunday come over also. I came to her house and asked if she would come. She should be here by now,” Rosie said during their board game.

Suddenly, at that moment, Sunday opened the door. “Hey guys. I’m here!” she said, unpacking her cloth bag. She got out some of the board games she made. “We’re gonna have so much fun!” Sunday smiled. She sat down, asking what game Rosie and Grace were playing. “We’re playing Life or Death, my board game!” Rosie exclaimed. “Wanna join?” “Sure!” Sunday sat down and started playing with them.

“Tomorrow we’re going to back to school. How does everyone feel about that?” Rosie asked. “Sunday? Grace?” “Meh.” Sunday shrugged, but Grace’s eyes lit up. “EXCITED,” Grace said. “Yeah, I can tell,” Rosie said. “But that means less time to hang out with Sunday since she moved.” “Agreed,” Sunday said. “I hate moving.” She pouted. “Even though you go to a different school, we can still visit, you know.” Rosie smiled.

By now, you’re probably wondering this: they have school?! Even with no electricity? Well, yeah, they do have school. What’d you expect? In the old days – 1800s – children went to a one room school that was kind of dim and cramped. It was small, and someone who was as young as 20 years old could probably teach. At least, I think so. I’m not good in history about Earth.

“I don’t want summer to endd!” Grace exclaimed. “It is so awesome just eating my mom’s awesome apple pie!” “Does anyone wonder what would happen if we had some kind of electronic game. Powered from a lightning source, maybe?” Grace asked, recalling a lesson 2 years ago about that.

2 years ago

“Benjamin Franklin from Earth used a kite and a key to try to gain electricity. Did it work? We people don’t know. But it’s a myth that it did.” That is what Grace’s teacher had said.

Rosie said, “But our teacher said it was a myth. Myths aren’t real.” “Let us just try it,” Grace pleaded. “It’ll get us killed probably,” Sunday pointed out. “We can make history – pro,” Grace added. “True,” Rosie said. “PLeaaaaaaase?” Grace asked. It was hard to resist. For a few minutes, Rosie and Sunday lasted and refused to do it. “I’ll give you apple pieeee,” Grace added. Rosie and Sunday agreed.

Rosie grabbed a key, and Sunday grabbed a kite. Grace grabbed a jar, to contain the electricity. They went outside. “It’s raining! And there’s lightning!” Rosie said. Sunday flew the kite and tied the key to the kite. Grace grabbed onto the key and put it into the jar.

After what seemed like hours of waiting, lightning finally struck the jar. The jar got the electricity. Unfortunately, Grace forgot to close the lid, and so the lightning got out. “That’s fine, Grace. Now, the apple pie?” Rosie asked. “No apple pie for you, sorry,” Grace said. “Expected that,” Sunday said. Grace said, “Eh, it’s fine. We can do that in the future. Like, when we’re waaaay older. We’re too young right now!”

Written by Kruti Patel