Adventures with the Bears | Purple Socks and Pink Markers

Written by Keela Garrigues

Heart racing. Tummy grumbling.

Tick-tock, tick-tock… 7:27am

Zoey sat anxiously on the edge of the couch, feet swinging back and forth, backpack pulled tightly over her shoulders.

7:28am

Two more minutes… I can do this… just two more minutes.

Allie ran around with her shirt half-tucked into her skirt, one shoe on her foot, and backpack open with markers and paper falling out, barely hanging on to her shoulder.

“Momma! I can’t find my other shoe! MOMMA! I can’t go barefoot, it’s THE FIRST DAY!” Allie yelled out to Momma who was standing right next to her.

“Take a deep breath, slow down, and look around…” replied Momma while pointing to the floor right next to Allie.

7:29am

Zoey stood up and walked closer to the door, peeking out the window.

I can do this. I’ve gone to school before. It’s just a new year.

Zoey felt Mommy’s hand rest on her shoulder, “You’ve got this, little one. You’ll do great!”

This is the first year my sisters won’t be in my class. This is the first year I’m doing this all on my own. I’m not ready!

Zoey tried to hide the tears streaming down her face, but it was no use. Tears were spilling down and soaking her new dress.

7:30am

“Let’s go!! The bus is here!” yelled out Bella as she swung open the door and ran outside, motioning for her sisters to follow.

“Here, take Purple Socks with you, and if you feel nervous or scared, just give him a big hug,” Mommy said as she handed Zoey her favorite stuffed monkey to put in her backpack.

This was the first year Bella, Allie, and Zoey were all in different classrooms. While Allie was excited for the new adventure of being on her own, Zoey wasn’t so sure. And Bella? Well, as the bigger sister, Bella knew she had to be strong for her little sister.

“Welcome Zoey! Take a seat!” smiled Mrs. Knab as Zoey walked through the door.

Mrs. Knab was known for being a loving and nurturing teacher, so Mommy knew Zoey was in the best place she could be.

Zoey started emptying her backpack and putting her markers in her desk, in rainbow order, but keeping her pink one out.

“Is pink your favorite color, too?” asked the little girl sitting next to Zoey.

Zoey looked up and smiled, “Yes! It’s your favorite color, too?”

“My name is Maddy, what’s yours?” Maddy exclaimed as she threw her hand out for a handshake.

Beaming, Zoey responded by putting her paw out in return, “I’m Zoey!”

Zoey glanced down at her backpack and saw Purple Socks looking up at her, she smiled, gave him a squeeze and closed her backpack before hanging it up on the wall.

Zoey was the first one off the bus, almost falling down the stairs feeling so excited to tell Mommy all about her day. Allie and Bella were close behind but could barely keep up.

“Mommy, I had THE BEST DAY! And I can’t wait to go back again tomorrow!” squealed Zoey as she raced inside, but not before turning back and waving to the smiling face in the bus window.

What was she worried about this whole time? She was a big girl. She could do big girl things. And today, she did it all on her own.