Sinae Jeong and the Long Year

I am the sad girl that left my happy times and my friends behind to follow my father’s dreams. When I hear soft voices, I am dreaming. Soon I think that the voices are people I know. Dad is telling my jobumo to leave their heavy bags in the car. As the back door opens, I am quick to stand up. I place the pillow on my bed, and I run. The next afternoon, Dad and I walked down the middle school hallway. I do not let Dad hold my hand. I will not look at him or meet his eyes with mine. Dad said good luck to me, and just then, Mrs. Smith opened the door. Dad and I stepped into my classroom for the first time. I am busy writing old Korean words and working on syllables for new English words so that I can place my story in the paper book. Good day, I am Sinae.