First Day

I watch them from behind — school uniforms, oversized bags, a line of small backs moving forward. Min, my dependable compass — always out front, clearing the path without complaint. Hyun, my tender-hearted one — holding her little sister's hand, so no one falls behind. Jin, my smallest hero — tucks her fears quietly into little heart, eyes forward, never looks back. I walk behind them, at a distance. Children only find their own way when their parents learn to step back.