Maribel wakes up early, the rooster’s crow echoing through her room. She stretches and smiles at her mule, Carmenza, who waits patiently outside the window. The breakfast table is set with arepas, cheese, and hot chocolate, and David is already talking about today’s math test.
"Maribel, let’s hurry! I want to get to school before the bell,"
"I’m coming, David! I have to give Carmenza her breakfast first,"
Their mamá braids Maribel’s hair, while papá checks their backpacks for books and pencils.
David looks at the zipline, excitement in his eyes. Maribel pets Carmenza and whispers goodbye.
"See you after school, Carmencita. Be good,"
Their older brother, Mario, checks the zipline harness and hands them each a wooden fork-shaped branch.
"Ready for takeoff, Maribel?"
"I’m a little nervous, but I want to learn so much today,"
Their parents wave, standing by the edge.
David goes first, pushing off and soaring above the canyon with a loud laugh. Maribel follows close behind, heart pounding with excitement and a little fear. The wind whooshes past as the world blurs below; they grip their wooden branches, ready to slow down.
"Hold your brake, Maribel! We’re almost there!"
"I’m flying like a bird, David! This is amazing!"
In just a minute, they reach the other side, breathless and smiling.
Maribel and David join their friends, telling them all about their wild ride. Mrs. Silvia waits at the door, smiling brightly.
"Buenos días, niños. You are so brave, coming to school like that every day,"
"Thank you, Mrs. Silvia! I want to be a teacher like you one day,"
"And I want to be a soldier. But first, I have to win the math contest!"
In class, Maribel helps another student read, and David solves a tricky math problem on the blackboard.
Maribel watches the bus and sighs.
"David, do you think we’ll ever have a bus to take us to school, like the kids on TV?"
"Maybe one day. But I think our way is much more fun. We’re like explorers and superheroes every morning!"
"Yes! And we get braver every time. I think learning is worth every adventure,"
They giggle and throw mango seeds, dreaming of the future.
The path home is just as thrilling as the morning. They wave goodbye to their friends and promise to be back tomorrow. As they soar above the canyon once more, Maribel shouts with joy, and David gives a thumbs-up to their parents waiting on the other side.
"See you at home, Mario! Let’s race!"
"Tomorrow we’ll learn even more!"
Back in Los Pinos, Carmenza greets them, and mamá wraps them in a warm hug. The family sits together, proud of their brave journey and excited for another day of learning.
