Every morning, Adanna got her younger brother ready for school before she got herself ready.
She'd learned this was faster. If she helped him first, he was less likely to get distracted halfway through.
Today, Ejike couldn't find his other sandal. Adanna checked under the bed, behind the door, and finally found it in the kitchen, where he'd left it after breakfast.
She handed it to him and helped him buckle it, checking the sky through the window. They still had time.
They walked to school together, Ejike trailing a little behind, stopping once to watch a line of ants crossing the path.
Adanna waited for him without saying anything, then they kept walking.
They reached the gate just as the bell rang. Ejike ran off toward his classroom. Adanna adjusted her own bag and walked toward hers.