Snails should be equipped with jet packs. They are far too slow at their normal speed.

I found myself facing detention after being late to school this morning. My reason? I was stuck behind a snail. Yes, you read that correctly.

I am a junior at Del Val, and when I had set out for school this morning in my usual rush, I was still hoping to make it on time despite waking up late.

However, my plans quickly hit a major roadblock: literally.

Only minutes away from my high school, a rather sluggish creature had caused a backup nearly two miles long.

I was already running late when I saw something I never thought imaginable. I thought I was dreaming when I saw the snail. A snail…but a snail driving a car. It was a tiny car, but it was blocking the entire road.

By the time everyone was able to pass the snail, school had already started. My late arrival didn’t go unnoticed. As I rushed into school, hoping to avoid further trouble, I was greeted by assistant Principal Grant, who informed me that my tardiness – no matter the excuse – would result in detention. I was made aware that students must be in their seats by the first bell to avoid disciplinary action.

“The rules are the rules,” assistant Principal Grant said. “Erin’s explanation was creative, to say the least. However, we can’t make exceptions just because a snail decided to take its time on the road.”

While some students have expressed sympathy for my situation, others found humor in the event.

“I thought she was full of it,” said junior Jordyn Zollinger. “But when she showed me the photo of the snail in the little car, I couldn’t stop laughing. I mean, who gets stuck behind a snail?”

There is only one solution for this issue. There must be miniature jet packs for the snails.

This jet pack would completely alleviate the traffic issue the snail caused this morning. The snails would now have an alternative option to driving and holding up traffic.

These jet packs would allow for the snails to travel much faster, escape predators and explore areas that are out of reach like climbing up tall plants or crawling across large spaces.

For now, I will serve my detention today with assistant Principal Grant. As for the snail? Well, it was spotted causing a commotion down the street again, still driving its tiny car at an unreasonably slow pace. These jet packs need to be created.