Hiro's Bento Box

                            Author: Denise Correll

                              Created November 4, 2023

              Hiro was eager to start his new school in America. 

Hiro had moved with his family from Japan a month ago. Hiro could not wait to make new friends at his school. 

On his first day of school, his mom walked him inside and handed him his Bento box; she said, "Remember, I love you, and I am proud of you."

Even though he was nervous, Hiro was excited to meet his teacher, Mrs. Jores, and make new friends. He was happy when lunchtime arrived.

Welcome Hiro!

Hiro opened his lunch and was so happy his mom had 

designed and made his favorite lunch to show her love for him, 

just as she had in Japan. "Ew, what is that smell?"

said a little girl. "It smells like fish, gross!" 

Another boy shouted, "Yeah, it doesn't look like real food."

Hiro looked down at his food with a frown, he didn't think his food smelled. It was a sign of love from his mother. He slowly put the lid back on his Bento box and sat quiet for the rest of the lunch. 

That night, Hiro's mother asked him why he had not touched his lunch. Hiro told her that his classmates made fun of his food and said it smelled looked weird.     

"Hiro," said his mother. "Did you tell them what the Bento box means in Japan?" 

"No, Mom, I didn't," said Hiro sadly. 

"You tell them that in Japan, how I prepare your lunch is my way of showing you my love, and also, I will make special Bento treats for you to share with your classmates. You will see, they will love them!" 

The next day, when Hiro went to lunch, he remembered what his mom had said to him. "Tell them about the Bento Box, Hiro,  share with them."