MEMORY LOSS A YOUTHFUL CONCERN
Short-term lapses result in turmoil, injury

Memory loss is often listed as one of the main concerns for those of us growing older, but rarely is it fretted about by high schoolers. After recent events, however, some Smallville High students may change their tune.

A series of bizarre and inexplicable occurrences of short-term memory loss plagued Smallville High Seniors this week, bringing much confusion, and even harm, to others. Billy Durden, one of Smallville's star athletes, was hospitalized for injuries caused by electrocution. In a police statement, Durden explained that he was shocked in the school locker room but could not identify his assailant. With no leads, authorities are currently speculating that Durden was attacked by a student now suffering memory loss.

Clark Kent, resident hero and another Smallville High student, found Durden lying on the floor, unconscious. When asked in an interview about the assault, Kent could not shed any further light on the mysterious attacker. "Everything, and everyone, seemed a little different. Maybe it had to do with Prom," said Kent, cryptically. "Let's just say people weren't acting like themselves."

Chloe Sullivan, editor of the school newspaper, went on record saying that she believed the spirit of another student, Dawn Stiles, had inhabited her body. "I know it sounds crazy. But, then again, this is Smallville," Sullivan told the authorities. Stiles was reported missing a day before the first incidence of memory loss was reported. She was later found at the bottom of Carlton Gorge, her car having crashed into the ravine. Stiles died at the Smallville Medical Center shortly after being admitted.

Sullivan insists that Stiles was responsible for her unusual behavior at the high school prom. "One second I was me, and then the next thing I know, Dawn and I went Freaky Friday. Without the knowing part. I can't remember a thing. It's a terrible feeling," Sullivan said. She then added, a grimace twisting her bright face, "And I only lost ten minutes. Just imagine if the entire slate got wiped clean."