The sun was so bright it made the classroom windows sparkle, and the smell of crayons and paper still clung to the air even though the bell had already rung. Maya sat at her desk swinging her legs under the chair, looking down at the paper her teacher had given her. Big boxes, all stacked in rows like steps. The words written on the boxes made her sound them out slowly in her head—"fa-mi-ly tree."
Mrs. Yeo had explained it with her hands moving a lot, like branches growing up and out. "You start with yourself here," she said, pointing to the bottom box, "then put your parents above you, and your grandparents above them." She'd smiled and added, "You can even decorate it if you want. Draw leaves, or flowers, or pictures of your family."
