As she sat there pretending to listen to her teacher lecture about the novel the class was currently studying, Sam thought about how much her life had changed in the last few months. Connecticut was certainly different from Brooklyn, but in a good way! Here, Sam didn't have to worry about getting in a fight every other day. Plus, she finally had a backyard to play in instead of the street.
Bu what Sam liked most about her new life was that she finally had a real family. For so many years, it had been just her, her father, and Mrs. Rossini Now, all of a sudden, she had Mona, Angela, and even Jonathan (when he wasn't being too much of a pest). It had taken time, but Sam was really adjusting to life in the suburubs.
Sam was brought out of her thoughts by her teacher's sudden announcement. "As you all know, Mother's Day is next Sunday. I thought that might make a good opportunity for a writing exercise. I want you all to write an essay on what makes your mother so special." Most of the class groaned. Sam, however, was pleased. This'll be easy, she thought. Mom and I used to be so close! Sam was only four when her mother passed away, but that didn't mean she didn't have memories of her. She smiled, remembering those early years back in Brooklyn.
But even Samantha wasn't happy with what the teacher said next. "Instead of simply handing in your papers like you usually do, we will all share them with the class next Friday. And you can invite your mothers to join in our little celebration so that they can hear you read your essays to the rest of class."
This time, Sam groaned along with her classmates. Now what am I going to do? she thought. I'll be the only kid who's mother can't come.
