Silkworm

“Okay, class, the next project will be raising silkworms and record their growth daily…” said the science teacher. “Yeah, that’s awesome! Dad has already bought me twenty baby silkworms last Friday,” thought Jake as he put his books into the backpack, rushing out of the classroom.

“Wait up for me! Carlos!” Jake shouted as he ran breathlessly.
“Hurry up! We don’t wanna be late for picking up mulberry leaves at grandpa Lee’s backyard.
“And the delicious spring rolls too…” said Jake with his angelic smile.

Going to the Lees’ after school had been a ritual for both Jake and Carlos since they first went to elementary school. And they really enjoyed themselves there because the Lees were a nice old couple that provided a secure and educational place for kids. They were retired from the local teachers’ college; Mr. Lee taught molecular biology while Mrs. Lee was a devoted English and German professor.

The enormous backyard of the Lees consisted of a green house, a swimming pool, and a beautiful garden. Since Mrs. Lee had a green thumb, there were all sorts of flowers according to the seasons. Her favorite flower was peony, the snow-white kind. At the back of the yard stood three old mulberry trees; and these were the food providers for Carlos’ and Jake’s experiments. They also bore large, juicy fruits for the Lees. Mrs. Lee loved using the fruits to make jam or tea. The neighbours all received their homemade gifts every year.

Behind the backyard was a small forest that spread out to the sapphire mountain. Sometimes Mr. and Mrs. Lees would take the kids to go hiking and have a bath of Pythoncidere. The zigzag trek was a challenge for children but a wonderful place to let them embrace the beauty of nature and exercise both body and brain because Mrs. Lee loved to put up some interesting mental exercises for those future leaders of the nation.

…To be continued.