If All Goes Well, the Alphabet

Dear Eun-ji,
Today was the big day: the first day of school. You know the drill—village kids lined up like little soldiers, scarves tied too tight, shoes shined to perfection, backpacks far too big for their tiny shoulders.
They gathered outside the shop, buzzing with nerves and excitement.
And believe it or not, the bus actually showed up—ten minutes early. (Can you imagine?)

Everyone piled in, counted twice. The little ones waved as if they were heading off to another country.

I just hope they make it.
You know how it is—Farmer Yu is still our bus driver, and he doesn’t follow a route so much as he follows the potholes. I packed a thermos and whispered a small prayer, just in case.
If all goes well, they’ll learn the alphabet today.
If not, they’ll learn the difference between the school road and the tractor depot.

Do you remember your first school day? I bet you got lost—and never told anyone.

Love from home,
Your sister, Yun-ji