Meeting The Angel

Woke up sleepy-eyed. "It's your first day to school, c'mon give a smile," my mother said to make it sound right. I certainly wasn't in a mood to have a bath, my hair brushed, wear the school uniform and tie, and be made to board the school bus. A torture for a four-year child, now I realize. But there was no way out, so eyes half shut was picked up by the bus attendant and seated right next to my older sibling. Fell off asleep right on her lap.  

A thirteen km ride and she shook me awake as the big red iron grilled gate appeared in sight. The bus drove at snail speed inside the school premises stopping near the garage for parking vehicles.  

Gripping tight onto didi's hand, she promised to visit during lunch break, pushing me into the line for kindergarten students, attending school for the first time. Tears were rolling down my eyes and so were for many others that stood in that queue. "Welcome dear children" ...a voice was heard and there stood a lady robed in nun's clothes, looking like a penguin I'd seen in storybooks. But her face was pink and beautiful, blue eyes that looked right into each child's eyes, wiping tears with her kerchief white. All fears dissipated seeing this angel bright as she marched us into the class with little tables and chairs. Seated us, in accordance with height, shorter ones in front, taller ones behind.  

Cloudy memories of the rest of the day!