Chapter 7: The Classroom Door
By autumn, Maya was walking with the assistance of a light cane. Her strength was returning, and with it, a bright, inquisitive spirit that had been hidden for years.
The next major obstacle was social. Maya hadn't attended a real school since she was six years old. Standing outside the red brick building of Oak Ridge Elementary, she gripped her cane tightly, staring at the children laughing in the courtyard.
""What if they laugh at how I walk?"" she asked, her voice trembling.
Arthur crouched down beside her. ""People laugh at things they don't understand. But you aren't defined by their understanding. You're defined by your courage.""
He pulled a small silver locket from his pocket and slipped it around her neck. Inside was a picture of her parents.
May you like
""They are proud of you today,"" Arthur said. ""And so am I.""
Maya smoothed her yellow dress, took a deep breath, and took her first step toward the school entrance.
