Cucumber Sandwich With Chaat Masala

The first day of school. The first day of the new academic year. New bags, new books, new shoes. A newness, the anticipation, it’s unnerving this state of bittersweet existence.

Methodically we put away the old, the old scruffy school bag, the stained jumper , the too small wellies bearing the soil of the year gone by.

I want to hold on, but I have to let go. The sunshine , the last dregs of languid summer days, where time and place often merged fuelled by nothing but our laughter and unconditional love.

An eagerness, or reticence I cannot tell which.. Butterflies fluttering, my heart beating wildly, my fingers briefly tightening their grip over your hand and you. A gentle squeeze in response by little fingers, so reassuring. The rigour of routine beckons.

This morning I had neatly packed our memories into your snack box in the form of a cucumber sandwich with chaat masala. I  hope you smile when you eat it. I hope it reminds you of Home.