Ready for school


Artwork by Eddie

Thursday, January 9 

 Just as I was finishing up my morning preparations in the bathroom, Andy informed me that he and Eddie were walking to school. 

Isn’t it a little bit early yet?” I asked. “It can’t be much past 7:30.” 

“But Dad, we want to get to school before the bell rings,” he explained. 

 It doesn’t take you a half hour to walk to school,” I offered. 

But the boys were not to be denied. They both had put on their jackets and boots, and Eddie had even put the two boxes of pre-packaged Rice Krispie bars in a Middleton Public Library canvas bag. (It was his turn to bring the morning treat to his kindergarten class.) His backpack, containing his snow pants and take-home folder, was strapped to his back. 

 Where are your shoes?” I asked. 

 In my pack,” he answered. 

Let me check.” 

I had a vision of Eddie in boots all day, and, sure enough, his shoes were not where he told me they were. We found them on the floor in the hallway between the kitchen and the garage. 

 Andy, you need to wear a hat if you’re walking to school. It’s cold outside and, as you can see,” I said, pointing to a window, “it’s snowing a little bit.” 

What a nag, huh? 

Why the eagerness to leave for school so early? I have no idea. On Tuesday, it seemed as though Andy was avoiding school, and today he can hardly wait to get there.

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