Melody M., California. . .come memories of joyous, warm, summer days gone. She stared out the window longingly, a deep sadness embedded in her eyes. The prodigious oak trees stared back at her, their arms outstretched, summoning her for celebration.
“Today is no cause for celebration, my friends.”
A thump knocked the woman out of her reverie.
“Morning Mama,” the sleepy, young boy yawned.
“Good morning sweetheart,” she replied, immediately shaking off her earlier memories, so as not to sadden her little boy.
The boy sat down at the table and eagerly fidgeted, as one often does when concealing good news.
“Mama, do you remember what day it is?”
“No, what day is it, Leo?” She feigned ignorance.
Leo’s fidgeting increased, as if this was the exact answer he’d been hoping for, “It’s my first day of school!”
The woman set a glass of orange juice on the table for the boy, along with some pancakes, “Ah yes it is! Now, you need to be strong on the first day, my love, so eat up.”
The boy started speaking again, carefree words spilling out from his small frame; however, his mother was somewhere else. A distant place. . .
As she escorted her son to the awaiting school bus outside, she gave him a big hug.
“Stay safe Leo.”
The boy was confused, “Of course Mama.”
The woman shared a knowing glance with the bus driver, who simply nodded solemnly.
The woman came back into the house and started to cry.
Today there was no cause for celebration. Today was a day for mourning.
Years ago on this day, Leo lost his father, and the woman lost her love.
Raley D., 9th Grade, Washington
Olivia R. 9th Grade, California
Shayla W., 11th Grade, California
