First Day of School
"Are you excited, Hiro? Kindergarten starts tomorrow," Aunt Cass said. They were seated on the floor of the living room, surrounded by school supplies of every kind. She picked up each thing one by one, naming them off as she packed them in his bookbag. "You've got your crayons, your pencils, a folder..."
He shook his head. "I don't wanna go." That was a surprise to Cass. For weeks, it was all Hiro could talk about. Now twelve hours before the bus was set to arrive, he was experiencing first-day jitters.
"Aw, honey." Cass scooted over, putting her arm around him. "Why not? We met your teacher last week, remember? She was very nice. And you liked the classroom. Why don't you want to go anymore?"
"Nobody will like me," he said, looking down.
She gasped. "Why would you think that? You're going to make lots of friends. Isn't that right, Tadashi? Tadashi."
The older boy was at the kitchen table, perusing a list of his own. He was entering fifth grade and going over everything with a fine-tooth comb, making sure that he had all his necessary paraphernalia in order for the next day. He looked up. "Yes?"
"Sweetie, Hiro's a little nervous about tomorrow. Why don't you..." Cass clicked her tongue twice and gave him a look. Understanding, Tadashi dropped what he was doing and went to kneel by his brother's side.
"What's wrong, buddy? There's nothing to be afraid of. School is fun. You love to learn, don't you?"
"I don't know anyone. I'm going to be all by myself." He sniffled, running a tiny finger under his nose.
"You don't know anyone yet," he amended. "But that's okay. No one does on the first day. And you won't be alone; I'm going to be in school. We'll probably see each other in the halls."
"'Dashi stay with me?" Hiro asked, and latched onto his arm.
Tadashi sighed. "I wish I could, Hiro, but I have class too. I have an idea, though. All the students have lunch at eleven, so as soon as it's time, we can go to the cafeteria and eat together, okay?"
Hiro pondered for a moment, then nodded, accepting the compromise, much to Cass and Tadashi's relief.
Aunt Cass then got to her feet. "Alright, guys. Time for bed. You've got a big day tomorrow."
The boys stood on the sidewalk with Aunt Cass the following morning, waiting for the bus. Hiro was clutching Tadashi's hand for dear life, as if he let go, Tadashi would drift away. Or maybe it was the other way around.
"Here it comes!" Cass said, patting their shoulders.
Hiro tugged at his brother to get his attention. "'Dashi sit with me?"
Tadashi peered at him with a smile. "Of course I will."
The mustard vehicle chugged down the street and came to a stop with a squeal right in front of the café. The folding doors opened, and a man in the driver's seat wore a bright grin. "Good morning, kids."
Aunt Cass squeezed her boys in a hug and kissed their cheeks. "Have fun." Her voice crackled a bit. "I can't wait to hear all about it when you get home."
Hiro got on first, with Tadashi on his heels. There were a few other people on board, but they were all the way in the rear by the emergency exit. Preferring the front, they chose a spot and slid in. The doors shut and the engine hummed to life once more.
Outside, Cass blew them another kiss and wiped the corners of her eyes.
The bus rolled away, and both brothers waved to their aunt until she was a speck in the distance.
Inhaling, Hiro leaned back against the navy vinyl seat.
"It'll be fun, Hiro," Tadashi reassured him, patting his hair. "You'll see."
The ride to school was quiet and took less than fifteen minutes. Before Hiro knew it, Tadashi was walking him down to his classroom. The popcorn beige walls were plastered with welcome posters and flyers already promoting fall-themed activities for the following month.
"This is it," Tadashi said, seeing the plaque on the open door. Ms. Sato - Room 328.
Inside, children were buzzing around, darting to different stations and shrieking with laughter. Hiro looked overwhelmed.
Tadashi stooped down to meet his eye. "Don't forget, I'll come here to take you to lunch, alright?"
"'Kay..."
"My room is right there," Tadashi said, pointing down the hall to the closest door on the left.
Hiro swallowed, still apprehensive about the whole thing. Knowing it would make him feel better, Tadashi made a fist and held it out. Hiro smiled and mirrored the gesture. Their knuckles bumped, and then they drew their hands back with outstretched fingers, a soft rush of air leaving their mouths.
Then with a gentle nudge, Tadashi guided him inside. He waited at the threshold until Hiro was greeted by the teacher and shown where to hang up his bookbag. Satisfied that Hiro was starting to settle in, Tadashi gave one last wave before rushing off to his own class. About to go in, he heard giggles coming from where he had just been. They were sweet and familiar, and eased the nerves that he felt on leaving Hiro. He smiled as he sat down at his desk. Yes, Hiro would be just fine.