The First Day of School
When Junie started first grade, I told myself it would mark a new beginning. She skipped up the sidewalk with her pigtails bouncing, and I waved as she disappeared through the school doors.
At home, I spent the day cleaning to calm my nerves.
“Relax, Phoebe,” I muttered to myself. “June-bug’s going to be just fine.”
That afternoon, the front door slammed open before I could even put the sponge down.
Junie burst inside, cheeks flushed and backpack half open.
“Mom! Tomorrow you have to pack one more lunchbox!”
I turned toward her in confusion.
“One more? Why, sweetheart? Did Mommy not pack enough?”
She dropped her bag on the floor and looked at me as if the answer were obvious.
