The Little House at the End

Alina sat on her bedroom rug with her nursery bag beside her. Yesterday she had stayed home with Dad. Today she would have lunch somewhere else. She would play there all afternoon. “That’s a lot of nursery,” she said. Her tummy felt tight. She pressed her toes into the rug.

Dad sat beside her. “You’re worried about your first day,” he said. “It’s a big change.” Alina nodded. “I will come after afternoon play,” he told her. “Your teacher, Maya, will help you while I’m away.” Alina put her small bag on her back.

At nursery, Maya showed Alina a peg with her name. Alina hung up her coat. Dad hugged her before he left. There were blocks to stack and dough to squeeze. Alina watched first. Then she pressed one finger into the soft dough.