When I was little my mother would stand on our doorstep and watch me walk down the hill on my way to school. My schoolbag was made of old, brown leather and had straps that allowed me to carry it on my shoulders. Even though I knew she would watch until I turned the corner, I still would turn around to check. I had to turn because the schoolbag was too big for me to glance over my shoulder. Reaching the corner, I would wave to her and she to me. Then she would go back in home to do her housework and I would unstrap my schoolbag, walk over to the walled garden of the corner shop and drop the bag in. Then I would climb in after it.
– Is that you, boy?
– Ya. I’m here.
– What kept you?
– Nothing. Sure, I’m here now aren’t I?
In the darkened shade of the evergreen trees, we would wait.
