Jun's Hello at the Gate

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Read in full Jun's Hello at the Gate

15 pages, approximately 5 minutes while listening. Enter the child’s name in the reader above so the narrator can call the child’s name correctly.

1. 1

   At the school gate, Jun held their parent's hand. The classroom looked bright and very far away.

2. 2

   Jun's tummy felt wobbly. “I want you to stay forever.”

3. 3

   “I will come back after rest time,” Parent said. “We can use our same goodbye.”

4. 4

   High-five. Two waves. One hug. Jun held the yellow lunchbox and practised a slow breath.

5. 5

   Parent walked through the gate. Jun's eyes filled with tears. The feeling was real, and the plan was real too.

6. 6

   Teacher knelt nearby. “Would you like to water the seed tray with me?” Jun nodded.

7. 7

   Water trickled into the little cups. Jun's hands found a job while their heart caught up.

8. 8

   At the window, Jun gave one last wave. Parent waved back, then the classroom called Jun's name.

9. 9

   Jun joined the blocks. The wobbly feeling stayed small enough to carry.

10. 10

    Goodbyes can feel hard and still end with hello.

11. 11

    The next morning, Jun's tummy wobbled again. The same gate and the same plan were waiting.

12. 12

    High-five. Two waves. One hug. Jun held the lunchbox and said, “After rest time.”

13. 13

    This time, Jun carried the seed tray to Teacher before looking back at the gate.

14. 14

    The tears came, then slowed. Jun could miss Parent and still pour the water.

15. 15

    A clear goodbye is a bridge: love on one side, a new hello on the other.