A place called home

My backpack was heavy from school. My boots were wet from slush. It seemed as if I was not going to make it home. Home was still three blocks away and we were all moving so slow. The wind picked up and cold snow started to fall. I had, had a bad day at school. “Come on”, I yelled angrily at the others. It was snowing harder now and I could not see down the sidewalk. I looked back, the others had not seemed to notice. My backpack seemed even heavier and my feet were so wet I started to drag them. Two blocks away I thought. The trees had icicles that almost made it look like a hanging dress. Finally, I could see the neighbours house. Almost there I thought. Then I can take off my wet socks and my heavy backpack and get warm. I stepped up onto our porch. and took off my mittens to unlock the door. The wind blew hard and my fingers turned red. I pushed the key into the keyhole quickly and turned it. The door clicked open. At last I am home, I thought. It clicked open. I kicked off my boots and pulled off my socks, “ahh” warm at last…. now for my bag. “Ahh”, I stretched my back. “Mom”, I called. “Mom”, “Are you home”? “Yes, sweetie, I am in the kitchen”. “Come in and talk to me”. “I just made you some hot cocoa to warm you up”. “Thanks Mom I said gratefully”. The hot cocoa was warm and the marshmallows had melted and tasted so sweet. “It's delicious Mom”, I said through sips. The oven rang DRING DRING DRING. “What's that”? “Well I just baked a fresh batch of cookies”. “If only I had a taste tester”. “Hmm who would want to taste test the cookies”? “Me,me, me”, I said laughing. “Ok, they're chocolate chip”. The cookie melted in my mouth. “It's delicious”, I exclaimed ! I started to walk into the hallway and unpack my bag. It already seemed lighter than it had before. The doorbell rang DING DING DING. I’ll get it, I called. When I opened the door Dad was there. Dad, dad, dad, my siblings and I chanted. Hi’ya guys dad said cheerfully. My little sister grabbed the deck of cards and thrust it at him. I guess we’re going to play a card game before supper? Yes, we said excitedly. As the game drew on Dads laughter sounded boomed and echoed across the room and Moms quieter laugh sounded like music if you listened closely. I felt happy, relieved and loved. My terrible day at school no longer felt as bad as it was. The snowy walk home no longer felt as cold and tiring as it had been.The game ended nicely and supper was delicious. We all talked, laughed and shared our stories. Hey, did you guys ever have bad days at school? Why yes I did, Dad said. same here said Mom. I think we all have bad days sometimes, but home is a place you can reset and have a better day the next day. Right I said as I cleared my plate and made my way to my room. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed. Bump, bump, bump. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Goodnight pumpkin said Dad, goodnight lovebug said Mom. They lowered down to kiss me.Goodnight Mom, goodnight Dad, I exclaimed as I kissed them back. As I rolled over and closed my eyes I thought one more thought, no matter what Home is where I belong… even on the worst days when my backpack seems too heavy and my shoes are too wet. The end