The New Kindergarten

Child's Mom set the cup on the coffee table.

"The doctor said you need to drink more water."

"You have to listen to the doctor."

"Drink plenty of water."

Child's Mom reminded the girl, "Remember?"

"Oh."

The mushroom-haired little girl nodded obediently.

Child's Mom smiled.

She turned on the TV for the mushroom-haired little girl and switched to a channel showing cartoons.

"Anna, do you like this?"

The mushroom-haired little girl blinked.

She nodded, looking a little dazed.

She liked it.

She liked watching cartoons.

Child's Mom went back to the kitchen.

This time, she cut up some fruit for the girl.

The girl had just recovered from a high fever and needed to eat more nutritious food.

Child's Dad followed her into the kitchen.

"Can you manage on your own?"

Child's Dad checked the time. "I'm heading back to the office?"

"Go ahead."

Child's Mom nodded.

"Anna's fever is gone."

"And she's home now."

"There's nothing to worry about."

Child's Dad turned and glanced at the faint outline of the girl in the living room.

"I've found a possible new kindergarten."

"Anna can rest at home for a few more days."

"Then she can start at the new kindergarten."

Child's Mom beamed.

"Okay."

"Anna."

Child's Dad said goodbye to the girl. "Daddy's going to work."

"Rest up at home."

"Goodbye."

The mushroom-haired little girl murmured, "Goodbye."

"What's wrong?"

When Child's Mom came into the living room, she noticed the girl staring toward the door and smiled. "Don't want Daddy to leave?"

The mushroom-haired little girl tilted her head to look at her mom.

"Mom."

"Yes?"

Child's Mom sat down beside her.

"Aren't you going to work?"

The mushroom-haired little girl asked softly.

"Ah."

Child's