The First Day of School

Two weeks had passed since Ashley's baby shower, and she was now 30 weeks pregnant. The due date was looming closer, and Ashley could feel the excitement and nervousness building up inside her. But today was not about her or the baby; it was about Alex, who was starting school for the first time. Ashley had tried to prepare him for this day, but she could tell that he was still scared. As they walked to school, Alex was quiet, his eyes fixed on the ground. Ashley tried to make small talk, but he just grunted in response. She could sense his anxiety building up, and she reached out to take his hand. "It's going to be okay, sweetie," she said. "You're going to make lots of new friends and learn so many new things." But as they approached the school gate, Alex's demeanor changed. He suddenly stopped walking and looked up at Ashley with tears in his eyes. "I don't want to go," he said, his voice shaking. "I don't want to leave you." Ashley's heart melted at the sight of her distressed child, and she knelt down to hug him. But as she tried to reassure him, Alex became more and more agitated. He started to cry, and then to kick and drag his feet, refusing to move. Ashley tried to pick him up and carry him, but he was too heavy, and she was struggling to manage her own pregnancy and her crying child. "Please, Alex, you have to go," she said, trying to reason with him. "You'll be fine, I promise. You'll make lots of new friends and have a great time." But Alex was inconsolable. He clung to Ashley's leg, refusing to let go, as she tried to pry him loose. The other parents and children were starting to stare, and Ashley felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She took a deep breath and tried to stay calm, but it was hard to resist the temptation to give in to Alex's demands. Just as Ashley was starting to feel like she was going to lose it, a kind-faced teacher appeared at her side. "Hi there, I'm Ms. Johnson," she said. "I think we can help with this." Ashley handed Alex over to Ms. Johnson, who knelt down to talk to him. "It's okay, Alex," she said. "You're going to be just fine. Why don't you come with me and meet your new teacher?" Slowly but surely, Alex began to calm down, and with Ms. Johnson's help, he was eventually coaxed through the school gate. As Ashley watched him disappear into the classroom, she felt a pang of sadness and worry. Was he going to be okay? Was she doing the right thing by sending him off to school? She took a deep breath and tried to shake off her doubts, focusing on the fact that this was a big step for Alex, and that she was proud of him for facing his fears.