The Everyday Life of Yesterday

Chapter One: Shadow

Hi, I'm a person you don't know from a class you don't remember. I'm going to tell you the story of how we never met. Let's start at the beginning where we first began our endeavor as strangers.

First grade was a wonderful time for me. Friendly faces, large playgrounds. It was everything a kid could dream of. I remember running through the field, flying in the swing sets, and sliding on... Well, the slide. I especially remember seeing you.

You stunned me, and I thought to myself, I hope they're in my class! And of course, you were there; across the classroom. I couldn't wait until recess to say hi to you. My day couldn't get any better; and I was right.

When the teacher called for attendance, my heart dropped like a stone. My name, the one long forgotten by everyone, was not in the roll. Being young at the time, I believed they purposely left me out. Tears ran down my face until the bell rang.

I looked up only to find that no one had seen my crying figure. I stood up, ready to ask the teacher why my name was not on the sheet, but then they told me to go outside and play before I could say anything.

That was the first time anyone had addressed me that day. With a small ray of hope shining down on me, I ran outside expecting to find you. I searched every inch of the field, climbed all over the playground, and walked across the large blacktop looking for you. I called your name, but received no response.

Ring!

The bell sounded, telling kids to go back to class.

"No, no," I whispered, wanting desperately to have more time to find you. I just wanted to say hi. I just wanted a friend.

First grade went by rather quickly for me. With no one to socialize with, I would spend all my time finishing homework. I would always think that I if did something great, I would finally have some of your attention.

So, along came Picture Day. This was the day where I would take the best photo. With the phrase "save the best for last" stuck in my head, I took my spot in the back of the line. I was shining with confidence that morning. One by one, I watched our classmates stand infront of the camera, wearing big grins on their face.

I saw you. You had perfect posture, a perfect smile. I knew I had to make mine every bit as perfect as yours. I stood proudly infront of the camera. I put on my best smile.

Then, the teacher called to us students. "Alright class, let's head back to the classroom," she told us. As if it were second nature, I followed the class right when the photographer snapped the picture. All that can be seen of me in the school year book is my shadow.