December 6, 1999
Just another Monday morning.
I get ready for school quickly because I slept a little late.
I put Jessica`s hair into a ponytail.
We talk about Christmas with excitement.
We have surprises for each other.
I think about the New Year as I drive to work.
I shield my eyes from the sun spilling through the misty mountains
And reflecting bright gold off the Maruyamagawa River.
I am five minutes behind schedule because of traffic.
I hear some third year students screaming with laughter just outside
I change my shoes and continue running.
I hurry up the stairs to the staffroom.
The meeting has just ended.  It is relative silence.
My colleague greets me without a smile.
Something is terribly wrong.
One of our students was found dead this morning.
She bravely holds back the tears and tells me his name.
I walk to my desk.  Another teacher comes to tell me the news.
He doesn�ft know my student, but he knows that I do.
He tells me that there are no real details at this time.
I hear his name spoken barely above a whisper.
Tabata Hideyuki-chan.
Yes, I know this boy, I say.  His birthday is the day after mine.
His favorite color is blue.  He loves to play soccer.
He likes to listen to music and his favorite subject is art�c
Was�c
Was�cI must remember.
Barely 16 years old. 
He was very quiet in class.  One day he was asleep.
One day I saw him in a store and he spoke to me.
It was very brave of him and I told him so.
We talked of soccer, he in his language and me in mine.
We smiled and understood each other for a moment.
Barely 16 years old.
That was a Monday too.

(copyright 1999-2000 Lynley Asay)