Chapter 6: First Day of Teaching
Saraswati stood in front of the kindergarten gate, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. That morning, the sun shone brightly, but her heart was still shrouded in fear and anxiety. It was her first day at work after struggling for so long with grief and life's pressures. She felt like a small bird learning to fly again after its wings had been broken. Deep inside, she still doubted her abilities. Moreover, Saraswati realized that she did not come from an educational background. However, she was willing to try and do her best for the school where she would be teaching.
Saraswati walked slowly into the classroom, her beautiful eyes scanning the room, taking in the lively atmosphere. Small children ran around, some crying because they didn't want to be left by their parents, while others cheerfully played with their friends. Saraswati felt awkward. She had never worked as a teacher before. She was just an ordinary woman who had lost her husband and was struggling to survive for the sake of her child. She was determined to keep trying and learning to make the most of this opportunity. And she didn't want to disappoint the person who had given her this chance.
"Ms. Saraswati?" A gentle voice greeted her. She turned to see a woman in her forties, wearing a batik blouse with a warm smile. "I'm Ms. Lina, the principal here. Welcome to Bintang Ceria Kindergarten. I hope you can adjust quickly."
Saraswati returned the smile, though her heart was still pounding. "Thank you, Ma'am. I will do my best."
"Good," Ms. Lina said, patting her shoulder. "The children here are very active. They need a teacher who is patient and loving. If you have any difficulties, don't hesitate to ask." Ms. Lina smiled kindly once more.
Saraswati nodded. She then walked toward the classroom where she would be teaching. The room was filled with children aged four to five, each with their own adorable and innocent antics. Some looked at their new teacher with curiosity.
"The new teacher!" a little child shouted loudly.
Saraswati smiled and knelt to be at their level. "Hello, children. My name is Ms. Saraswati. Starting today, I will accompany you in learning and playing. Who wants to be my friend?"
Several children eagerly raised their hands, but some just stared at her cautiously. Suddenly, a little girl with braided hair started crying.
"I want to go home! I want my mommy!" she whined.
Saraswati was momentarily taken aback, then gently rubbed the child's back in an attempt to soothe her. "Sweetheart, it's okay. Mommy will definitely come to pick you up later. In the meantime, we can play together, okay?"
However, the child cried even louder. Her sobs caught the attention of the other children, making the classroom more chaotic. Saraswati began to panic. She wasn't used to handling small children like this. Was she really fit for this job?
In the midst of her turmoil, Boase suddenly appeared at the classroom door. He walked closer, smiling at Saraswati as if offering support, then knelt before the crying child.
"Who wants to hear a story from Mr. Boase?" he asked gently.
As if hypnotized, the children immediately quieted down and stared at Boase with eager anticipation. Even the crying child began to calm down.
"What story will Mr. Boase tell?" one of the children asked, eyes shining.
Boase smiled. "About a brave butterfly." He said while looking softly at Saraswati, as if he wanted to tell her that the brave butterfly was her. Saraswati looked down in embarrassment. She couldn't meet Boase's gaze. Her heart suddenly pounded hard. Then, she approached one of the children and sat beside them.
Seeing Saraswati sit down, the other children followed, quickly sitting in neat rows, waiting for the story to begin. Saraswati gazed at Boase with mixed emotions. The man handled difficult situations so effortlessly. He seemed to have some kind of magic that could calm the children. Her heart felt slightly relieved, although a sense of insecurity crept in. Could she ever be as good a teacher as Boase?
As Boase began his story, Saraswati sat beside him and observed how he captivated the children with his expressive face and animated voice. The children were enthralled, laughing when the story was funny and falling silent when it reached a suspenseful moment.
When the story ended, the children clapped excitedly. Boase turned to Saraswati and gave her a warm smile. "Now, it's Ms. Saraswati's turn to play with you all."
Saraswati swallowed nervously. She felt anxious but didn't want to disappoint Boase or the children. Carefully, she started leading them in singing a childhood song she remembered from her own youth. At first, her voice was hesitant, but gradually, the children joined in, making the classroom lively again.
When recess arrived, Saraswati stepped out of the classroom with a sigh of relief. She leaned against the wall, trying to collect herself. The first day had been exhausting, but there was a sense of satisfaction in her heart. She had overcome a small challenge.
Boase approached with his hands in his pockets. "How was your first day?"
Saraswati chuckled lightly. "Harder than I expected. But… I'm happy."
Boase nodded. "I knew you could do it. The children need someone patient and kind like you."
Saraswati looked at him, a strange feeling stirring in her heart. Since her husband's death, no man had spoken to her like this—with such appreciation and trust.
However, the moment didn't last long. Out of the corner of her eye, Saraswati noticed a group of mothers picking up their children, watching her with meaningful expressions. The whispers started. They murmured to each other while occasionally glancing at her and Boase.
Saraswati's heart sank. She knew exactly what they were thinking. Gossip about her would soon spread. A young widow working closely with a single man? That was the perfect scandal.
Boase seemed to notice her unease. "Ignore them," he said gently. "People will always have something to talk about. What matters is that you're doing your best."
Saraswati forced a small smile. She wished she could be as strong as Boase in dealing with people's gossip, but her heart was still fragile. She knew the days ahead wouldn't be easy. However, when she saw Amara running toward her with a cheerful face, her doubts slightly faded.
She hugged her daughter tightly. No matter what happened, she would endure. For Amara. For herself. And maybe… for someone who, without her realizing it, was starting to fill the emptiness in her heart.
This first day was just the beginning. There was still much to face. But for the first time in a long time, Saraswati felt a new hope in her life.