In 2013, I was five years old and going into kindergarten.

I lived in a house in Perkasie with my family.

I shared my home with my Mom, Dad, and my older brother, Jake.

It was summertime, and the days were filled with outdoor adventures in the warm sunshine.

I loved playing with chalk on my driveway and toys in the rain, especially that.

I loved thunderstorms. The loud crashes of thunder and the bright flashes of lightning amazed me. Whenever one came, I would be glued to the window.

Woah!!

BOOM

BOOM

CRACK

One day, when I was playing tag with my brother my mom’s voice called from the front door, calling me inside. I left the game and ran inside against my brother's protest.

Ben! Come on in!!

Coming, mom!

Don't go!

Inside the kitchen, I was greeted with a tray of freshly baked, warm chocolate chip cookies (mmm). I stuffed my face full of them until I couldn't eat anymore. My mom was not impressed.

My excitement quickly turned to scaredness when she mentioned the dreaded words: back-to-school shopping. "I don't want to go to kindergarten," I protested.

I'm not going!

¡ǝɹɐ noʎ sǝ⅄

The idea of being surrounded by strangers scared me. I didn’t want to be in a room with a bunch of people I didn’t know. It felt like I was stuck in a cave!

To try to run away from my mom’s plans, I ran outside. Unfortunately, she was quicker than me. Her voice got closer and closer as she called for me to stop. Eventually, she caught up to me, took my hand, and brought me back inside.

Come here, NOW!

Aah!

I managed to break away from her grip and run into my room. I hid under my covers while she patiently tried to explain the importance of kindergarten. I didn't realize that she could see my feet sticking out.

Kindergarten will allow you to explore and grow! It's so much fun! You have to go.

Eventually, she convinced me, and we went to the store.

Always buckle your seatbelt. I'll buckle you in.

In the car, she tried to understand why I  felt so scared of kindergarten, but I never told her.

Why are you so scared?

I don't know.

If you don't tell me, I can't help you.

The store felt like a zoo. There are so many colors, so what do I choose? Do I get the red or blue markers? So many options.

Which one do you want?

Uhhh... I don't know...

It felt as if the shelves were going to fall in on me.

Help!!!

The morning of the first day arrived, and my stomach was full of butterflies. My mom tried her best to get me out of bed, but I refused. It took her twenty minutes to get me dressed.

Even after all of that, I refused to step outside and into the car. Instead, I threw a massive fit. I got down on the ground and started to throw stuff, kick, and whine. My mom had to pick me up and take me outside.

You are going into kindergarten. I should not have to carry you like this.