"I hate you."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I haven't seen you in a week; can we talk about why you're mad?"
"You didn't come to my birthday party."
Ah, just another start to my teaching week beginning in the Bayview area of San Francisco. I was greeted by some hostility today from one of boys because I had inadvertently missed his 5th birthday party. Honestly, I was flattered that he'd want me at such an event.
Thanks to a few rounds of "The Children Are Sleeping" it appeared our friendship had been restored. And after giving him a hug and wishing him a happy year, I seemed to earn his love back. For the remaining hour at least. Proving to me once again that sometimes all we need is a game and a hug to make it through the day. When I left, one of his friends (who has learned English as a second language) said, "No, please don't go, baby! I love you!" And I left with a laugh. Love and hate are truly separated by a fine line, huh?
