10:30 a.m.

Noisy voices pour into the hallway.

Eager chatter.

The familiar sounds of difficult snaps,

clicking buckles and unyielding zippers.

Mismatched mittens,

snowpant legs stuffed into sloppy boots.

Rainbow-striped scarves

unevenly hung around little shoulders.

Colours abound.

Pompoms teeter atop toques,

bobbing and weaving down the crowded corridor.

The heavy door pulls open. 

Breaths of cold air rush in.

Recess!