On The Way To School by Nettie Bozanich

As a child, the snow would be piled high along the sidewalks. I couldn't see over those mountains. I'd walk to school through a tunnel-like path. My big brother as my guide. I was never scared. Maybe because he was there to protect me. He'd walk a few steps ahead. Always looking back at me. I can still recall the expression on his face when he'd turn to look. It was concern mixed with a smile. Carefully, I would place my tiny feet into his large prints. I was somehow honoured to follow him -- To hear him laugh with his friends. They were like a crowd of big brothers. Always ahead of me but never leaving me behind. Sometimes I'd have a friend with me. We'd giggle too. And sure that was fun. But it was those times when I silently followed that I felt most special. Being younger was never a matter of being less or 'uncool.' It was a coveted place. One where I was protected by the crystal snow mounds. A gang of my brother's friends. And most of all my big brother.

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