I passed the interview. Jade was next. I turned my hands into fists, hoping our practice helped. How old are you? Teacher Shao asked. “Six.” We only accept 7-year-olds. “But I’ll be seven when school starts!” Can't you wait for a year? “No! I can't stay away from my sister. Otherwise, I’ll cry outside and throw rocks at the windows.” Teacher Shao laughed out loud. What if we don’t have enough chairs? Jade answered without hesitation. “I’ll bring a stool.” Can you count from 20 to 40? Jade did it without mistakes. I released my fists. We started school together.
Apple An grew up during China’s Cultural Revolution. She came to the US in her 20s, earned her PhD and works in New York state.