“You're my teacher?” she asked, incredulous. I took her little hand in mine

The graduation ceremony was long done; so was I with this prison they call school. Nechami had the mandatory cry with me, and we had the mandatory pictures… I can’t say I won’t miss her once she’s off to Israel, but come on, it’s only a year!

I resolved to give no more thought to Mrs. Adler nor to the mysterious connection she seemed to have with my mother. It for sure was something to do with me, but it didn’t matter. Nothing to do with her matters anymore.

I was starting a new chapter now. I vowed to myself to make this next part of my life the best one yet.

That night I slept better than I had slept in the last ten years.

I had a great summer. Did a road trip with all my cousins, spent time with my siblings, Miriam even came over for a couple of nights. I relished the freedom.

The night before I started work, I found myself stargazing on my own on the balcony; really, my sister was supposed to come join with lemonade, but she was on the phone. I was glad to be by myself with my nerves.

What will the staff say  when they see me?  I am the youngest member there… Will they treat me normally?

And what about my reading? Sooner or later they’ll find out …

Stop worrying,  I told myself. No one is there to assess your academic capabilities. They want you because you’re good at what you do. You’ll be perfect!

Just then my sister joined me.

“Lemonade, Sis?”