The Desert No More
By Anton Ulyanov
Slowly, almost tiptoeing I entered the classroom. To me, it seemed as big as a house! A desert with many oases, some were hidden, some were clear. For the first second, I shook almost as if electrocuted. Everybody was watching. I wanted to run, or cry, or hide! Then, the teacher came, a warm smile on her face. She told me to come in, but it was almost as if I didn’t hear her. I came back to reality, quickly put my backpack away, and sat down.
I was introduced to my tablemates, Mark, Reen, and Donielle. They smiled warmly and it was as if you had a sip of water after starving for a week. I helped pass out notebooks and got some supplies for myself.
Quietly, I got down to the rug. The time for introductions had come. The other 5th grade classes came in and I learned a lot about the following year. There was going to be lots of fun! One problem. There’s no one to share it with. No family, no friends.
T’was the time for snack. I took my Rice Crispy snack bar and went out to the playground. I stood alone, or rather with my guide and tablemate Mark. When I finished my snack, I had nothing to do so I just stood around. Then, I saw a familiar face. Of Course! It was my classmate Alberto. He came to me and said “You wanna play?” I immediately agreed. The game was good, but soon we had to go in. It was really fun! Time flew faster now. We played a word game and soon it was time for lunch. At lunch, we played again. It was very fun now! Friendship is just like when trying new things. You take a little bite, then a bigger one, and then you say”I like it!” Time is slow now but I have a friend to share it with.
My journey through the desert is done! I have found a clear oasis of friendship to drink from.