The Paris Independent
14
December 23, 2023
L O C A L H I S TO RY Who remembers walking to school no matter what the weather?
These are the answers I received made into a story: Once upon a time, in a small town nestled amidst rolling hills, there was a group of friends who shared a special bond and they were known for their unwavering dedication to their education. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, nothing could deter them from walking to school. Every morning, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, the children would rise from their cozy beds and prepare for the day ahead. They would eat a hearty breakfast, fueling their minds and bodies for the journey that awaited them. With their book sacks slung over their shoulders and the sound of the Penman’s whistle blowing loudly in the distance, they would set off on foot, heading towards the familiar halls of their beloved school. Who remembers walking to school no matter what the weather? The children of Paris certainly did. Unless you were from out of town you walked to school both ways uphill! On sunny days, they would skip along the sidewalks, their laughter echoing through the streets. When raindrops fell from
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the sky like a gentle melody, they would slip on their raincoats and rubber boots, some were even armed with colorful umbrellas. In the winter, when the landscape transformed into a snowy wonderland, the children's determination remained unwavering. Bundled up in layers upon layers of cozy clothing, to keep their feet warm and dry, they cleverly slipped bread bags into their boots. They trudged through the snow, leaving footprints in their wake. The cold air nipped at their noses and turned their breath into delicate puffs of vapor, but they pressed on, undeterred by the
frosty chill. They would marvel at the delicate snowflakes falling from the sky, catching them on their tongues as they continued their trek. And when the wind blew fiercely, howling through the streets, the children braced themselves, their scarves wrapped tightly around their necks. They would lean into the wind, their determination propelling them forward. With rosy cheeks and windblown hair, they forged a path through the gusts, their footsteps leaving their mark on the world around them. Continued on page 15
