Everyone knew something was wrong when Sarah walked into the auditorium. With a flick of her wrist, she motioned for everyone to sit down. She dragged a chair to downstage center, plopped herself down in it like she was exhausted, and took a deep breath, sighed, another breath, then spoke.

"Ms. Kate has had an accident. She has left the management of the drama club to democracy. I didn't want to be the one to tell you this, but no one... no one else was up to it." The atmosphere seemed to weigh on everyone now. 

A hand raised in the crowd. "Will the play be decided by democracy as well?"

Dabbing at her eyes, Sarah answered, "That is the only thing that will not be decided by us. The play will be Romeo and Juliet, per Ms. Kate's request."