A Year Without Snow

-12-

Monday, 30th August 2004

"So, let's see..." My grandma said as she picked up my new pink backpack from the floor, "We've got books, pens, pencils, rubbers, lunch, uh... and, uh..."

"Coloring pencils, scissors, and a ruler." I finished as I rested my shoulder and head against the green painted wall. "Why does it have to start this early, don't they want us to sleep?"

"Your grandfather used to say that it was to get the young minds discipline. Your dad, on the other hand, insisted it was to help the young minds get lack of sleep." She explained while helping me put the bag on my back.

"I agree," I said as we made our way to the front door.

We stepped outside and were quickly greeted by the sight of Bryson, his mother, and father in their front yard. His mother was kneeling in front of him, as his father watched them with his arms crossed a restless look on his face.

"Oh, my baby is becoming a big boy. Next thing we know and you are a senior and leaving for college." Mrs. Kanne said as she hugged him, having difficulties to embrace him completely due to the big SpiderMan backpack that stood on his back.

"Oh for God sake, mom. You really believe that Bryson will get to senior year?" Bianca said as she stepped down the front steps and walked to her family. Her hair set on a high ponytail and her clothes copying the latest fashion trends.

"Bianca..." Her mother warned in a threatening voice. "Don't worry, honey. You'll get there just fine." She assured her son while holding his face in her hands.

Meanwhile, me and grandma made our way towards them.

"Oh! Look at this, they are already here." Mrs. Kanne stated while looking back at us but quickly turning to her son again. "Oh, my little boy."

"Angelina, leave the kid alone." Her husband said while placing a hand on her shoulder, with a look of frustration.

"Alright, alright." She agreed while standing up. "So, I'll take you to school tomorrow and Audrey, you take them the next day?"

"Yes, that's the plan." My grandma replied, "You don't want a ride, Bianca?"

"No, thank you," Bianca remarked while making her way out of the lawn.

"Don't mind her, she's going through a rough age," Angelina commented while looking at her daughter her right hand still caressing Bryson's ginger hair, she bent down once again and kissed Bryson in the cheek.

"Why can't mum be here?" I asked my grandma while looking up at her.

"She's still looking for jobs, honey." My grandma answered while putting a hand around my shoulder her grip tightening as if trying to compensate my lack of parents on this important day. "Well, we better get going, Angelina. They don't want to be late on their first day."

"Of course not. Well, have a good first day."

After Bryson received one last warm hug from his mother and a cold nod from his father, we made our way to my grandma's car. We settled on the back of the car and looked at each other with apprehensive looks.

"So, your friends are going to be in school too?" I asked him while playing with my seatbelt and not looking up.

"Yes, they're nice." He replied.

"You won't leave me alone, will you?" I asked finally raising my head.

"Of course not, Daisy!" He answered looking at me and offering a big bright smile.

And that was the beauty and angst of being five years old, the deposit of faith you laid on one's back. Especially a girl who felt the world she always knew had been destroyed around her, and Bryson just had been unlucky enough to be the one where she put all her hope.

We arrived at school and after my grandma wished us a good day we were guided to our classroom where we met our teacher...

****

"...She was really nice, you know. Then we got to the playground when the bell rang, just like in the movies, you know. Bryson presented me his friends, they were nice, there's this guy named Dallas, he's really small, even more than me. And a guy named Jack, he's got this black hair, very black. And a girl.. uh, I don't remember her name, I just know she's from Korea. Where's that?" I asked while sitting cross-legged in the green living room's couch, "Where's Kore- Mum? Are you listening? Mum!?"

I kneeled on the couch while shaking my mother's shoulder, her arm was rested on sofa's arm, her head placed on her hand.

"Wha-!?" She lifted her head startled and looked around confused until her gaze fell on me, "What do you want, Daisy?"

"I was asking where... Did you hear anything I said?"

"Look, Daisy. I had a rough day, I went to every single shop and coffee house in this freaking town. I'm tired. Whether you want to believe it or not." She responded and rested her head once again on her hand.

I looked at her one last time before standing up and walking to my grandma's room. When I arrived at the division ready to complain about my mum's lousy parenthood I found her already under the covers. I made my way to the living room once again and picked up the grey gadget from the coffee table where my mum's feet were resting and dialed a number.

After a few rings, a girl's voice sounded through my hears.

"Who's this?"

"Uh... it's me, uh."

"Daisy? Yeah, Bryson! Wait a second. Bryson!" Silence came across the line and a second later like promised Bryson's cheerful voice came on.

"Hey, Daisy! What are you doing?"

"Where's Korea?"