“Where is Willie?” “He's in the backyard dear.” I went out to the back to see Willie with his swim trunks on. The sprinklers were shooting into the pool. I was staring in awe when he came behind me and pushed me in the aqua blue pool. I stared at the bright sun that blinded my eyes. I screamed and flopped in. I came chasing after him with my overalls tugging on my undershirt because of how wet they were. That day went by before the hands on the clock could catch up. To read the rest of Tia’s story please use this link: Bike Rides Continued Around the Clock By Grace B., Grade 6 Another exhausting but meaningless day goes by in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I look out my shattered window in despair. My miserable eyes immersed on the train station. Getting on the train I see a man in a suit with a topper. He’s holding a briefcase and has one of the biggest smiles on his face. But then I glance down. I see a woman crying on the curb. She’s holding a baby. I turn my head back inside. I once again realize I live in a sorrowful world. If you're smart, you'll be able to see that it's not life that's depressing, it's how you spend life. I mean, maybe it's life, but what about the man in the topper? He looked rich. If you're rich, you are happy. Tell me I'm wrong. Well, I guess you could be happy with no money, food, clothing, or even anything. Like the lady. But let's be honest, the 1890s aren't like that. Let's slow down a moment. I haven't introduced myself. I’m Corinna Bennet. A very simple name, but one with a very complex backstory. I was born in 1882 in Spitalfields, London on October 11th. My first four years growing up were in London. After my fourth birthday, my father moved to Brooklyn to take care of my grandmother. He didn't want me to stay with my mother, so he took me with him. My grandmother was sick with smallpox. Sad, but that’s the story. Two years later, I had to drop out of school. With my mother away, my father couldn’t make enough money to pay for our rent, food, and school. So yeah, it was a tough year then, but now that I am 14. I have grown and learned a lot. All from my father. He was the main reason I know all that I know. I don't mean he taught me how to tell a sad story like it seems I have been doing. But I mean he taught me about the truth. Now you may not have liked what you have been reading. But like I learned, that is the truth. Not everyone is as happy as the man getting onto the train is, but not everyone is as sad as the woman on the curb. Some people have it better than others, and that's just the truth. Lying in my bed. With my head against the backboard. Dirty sheets and blankets that haven't been washed in months. My brain is completely turned off. Resting peacefully. Then, all I see is black. That’s it. So simple. Then I realized, my eyes are closed. Only if life was as simple as that. There is nothing to worry about when your eyes are closed. The scariest part of this life is when you have to open your eyes. That's when you have to start your day. Refer life to a clock. They are both the same. You start a new day just as a clock starts a new hour. Each day overlaps and you repeat your routine everyday. But unlike a clock, you will eventually burn out, and soon enough...die. Now that I have woken up and have opened my eyes, I do have to go to school. Yes, I do go to school now. Life was very different from when I was younger, but I haven't changed. I open
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