Chapter Three—Part 1
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Dreams by Langston Hughes
The entrance to Anchorhead Primary School was full of people. Beings of multiple races stand about talking while their children dart about, laughing and screaming. Several of the teachers are attempting to herd their young charges to their classrooms with varying degrees of success. On the outskirts of the crowd, Obi-Wan Kenobi holds Luke's hand as they approach the chaos. Luke had turned seven last month and today is his first day of school.
"Do you see Windy?" the boy asks, standing on his toes and looking around.
"Not yet, you might have to wait until we find your class, young one."
The boy nods and Obi-Wan can feel his anxiety and nervousness through the Force.
"We are still going out eat after school, right?"
"Yes, I'll pick you up here."
They cannot afford to eat out very often but he thinks Luke could do with something to look forward to at the end of the day.
"What are you going to be doing?"
Obi-Wan smiles, knowing the boy is stalling, but answers him anyway.
"It's time for planting in the new hydroponic station, you know that."
A year ago he had finished paying off his loan to Jabba the Hutt that he had used to refurbish the largest of the farms three hydroponic stations. It had taken him four years to pay off but the results have been well worth it. He took out a new loan so he could perform a similar renovation on another station. Six months ago his militia members had helped to transform the second hydroponic station.
"I could help," there is a bit of pleading in the boy's voice now.
Luke did not want to go to school. He had not said anything but Obi-Wan can sense it through their bond. He kneels so he is at eye level with the boy and puts his hands on his shoulders.
"I know you can. You have been a great help lately but you need to meet more people your own age. It will be good for you."
Luke nods and Obi-Wan is humbled by the absolute trust that he can feel emanating from the boy, tinged as it is with disappointment. Giving the boy one last hug, he watches as Luke heads toward of a group of younglings his age. Obi-Wan stand there silently for several moments before he departs.
He has another reason for wanting Luke to go to school. He fears that the Jedi isolated themselves from the people they were sworn to protect and that this is what made it so easy for the Republic to turn against them. He hopes that exposing Luke to life among people whom are not Force sensitive will help him in the future. Glancing back at the school, he sends a word of encouragement through their bond.
Good luck, youngling.