英文。根据西方儿童的真实生活编写。一年一度的感恩节、圣诞节、新年很快又将来临。在这样的节日季节，请记住有这样一个学校，有这样一群孩子，和所有父母都需要上班的孩子们一样，小小年纪就早出晚归，在看不见、听不到父母的教室里，等待长大，等待父母，等待回家。

An Angel's Home by Ming Ye Chapter 1. Nostalgia Nostalgia is a type of feeling, the wave of joy or the tinge of sadness when we turn over our old memories in our minds. It's the feeling that comes when you look at a photograph or listen to a song that takes you far back to when you were a child or even a baby. Regardless of how young or old you are, all of us have these treasured moments or places in our minds, ones that can inspire nostalgia. Reliving these special memories wraps us up in something warm and soft, something that feels almost like a cloud. Aside from nostalgia for our childhood days, however, there's another, foggier type of nostalgia, one that seems to grow more distant with each task we add to our busyness, one that seems to fade with each step we take into adulthood. This nostalgia is something that all people share because every person on earth once had a home in heaven. There, among the clouds, was where we created many cherished memories. Our families up there are also connected to us through invisible, unbreakable ties, and they watch over us at each and every moment, unwilling to look away. Reliving those special memories wraps us up in something warm and soft, something that feels almost like a cloud. Chapter 2. Tree. On earth, we all have a home. A home with a mother and a father is a happy one because every parent loves their child deeply, regardless of whether they're able to express it. Some parents would hold their children close, forehead to forehead, look into their eyes and say I love you. Some parents would only pat their children on the head a few times, their absent minds still filled with the details of their job or chores around the home. Some only seem to ever ask their children if they are hungry or thirsty, and some other parents unwittingly repeat the hurtful words that their own parents used against them a long time ago, helplessly passing on the words they once promised themselves they'd never say. If parents are the trunk of a tree and their children are the branches, then the love and care between family members make up the roots of the tree. Every tree needs deep roots so that it can absorb nutrients and positive energy from the earth, the sky and the universe all around us. It's the only way that a tree can grow the thick branches and lush leaves that make it healthy and strong. Chapter 3. Firsts. Regardless of how parents may act on the outside, regardless of whether they can be there for their children when their children need them most, they all wish that their children can lead wonderful lives and have happy families in the future. That wish comes from their deep-rooted parental love. Children, with their innocent and adorable nature, melt their parents' hearts with the joy they bring. At the same time, when parents look at their children, they are also reminded of their own parents. For without the hard work and dedication of their own parents to raise them to maturity, there would be no way for them to experience the joy of having a family of their very own. Every first that a child goes through, the first time they open their eyes, the first time they smile, the first time they crawl, the first time they stand, the first time they take a step, the first time they say daddy or mummy, fills a parent with so much delight and leaves them excitedly anticipating how their little one will surprise them next. It is these moments that add a touch of magic to a parent's life and gives them the motivation to live better. Chapter 4. Priming and Feedback. From the moment that a child decides to jump into their mother's belly, they become a part of the family, tied to their mother and father by their heartstrings. The amount of sensitivity and understanding contained in their tiny bodies often far exceeds what their parents think they are capable of. From birth to around the age of three, mummy and daddy are a child's first role models, teachers and safe harbour. During these early years, children are constantly learning from their parents, even when we least expect them to. Conflicts and arguments between parents will make a child feel sad and insecure. They form thoughts like, I hope they stop yelling at each other. I want us to be a happy family together. Is it because I did something wrong or is it all my fault? Some children will even think, I'll never be like them when I grow up. Getting married is not worth it. On the other hand, caring and affection between a mother and father will give a child a sense of stability and warmth, which in turn teaches them respect and empathy. I also want to get married and be a good mum. I want to be like my dad when I grow up. I want to take care of my mummy and daddy when I get older. And finally, the hard work and sacrifices from mummy and daddy not only provide their child with material comforts, they also show their child the importance of taking responsibility and doing their part to help out. Look daddy, I put all my toys back in the toy box. Mummy, look at how well I made my bed. Daddy, the teacher gave me three gold stars today. Mummy, I'll help carry that for you. If a child's parents on earth have forgotten about their home in heaven, the responsibility on the child's small shoulders becomes much greater. Not only do they have to find their own way home, but they also have to awaken their parents so that one day the whole family can return to their real home together. Chapter five, nine types of nutrition. There's an ancient Chinese saying that goes, at three, you can see a child's adult years. At seven, you can see a child's golden years. The first three to seven years of a child's journey before they fully enter school life and join the broader community are a special privilege that a child's heavenly parents have granted their parents on earth to set a solid foundation for a child's growth. Japanese people have always stressed the importance of familial education, even going so far as to establish four values that the family should pass down to its children. Courtesy, independence, resilience, and innovation. The education within each family are the bricks that build the great house of a society's morals, and the legacy passed down between the generations of each family are a manifestation of the parents' appreciation of traditional values and the meaning of education. Hello. Thank you. You're welcome. I'm sorry. It's my fault. Let me help. Let's share. I love you. You've worked hard. These nine phrases representing respect, gratitude, humility, integrity, responsibility, generosity, kindness, and understanding provide every little tree with the nutrients it needs to grow into something strong and healthy. In addition to these nutrients, the soil of sincerity and the water of love are crucial to forming the environment that allows this special nutrition to be absorbed. Chapter six, a little boy's patience. Elliot and Bennett have a happy family. Older brother Elliot is five and a half, younger brother Bennett is three and a half. The boys began school when they each turned three. In their young hearts, daddy was strong and handsome, while mummy was kind and considerate. Both brothers would spend all day playing with mummy and daddy if they could, but their parents need to work to support their family, so the boys often spent the weekdays at school instead. When daddy took them to school, Elliot would hold Bennett's hand tightly, braving the lonely feeling in his chest and smile at his father. Bye daddy, come and pick us up soon. Even though daddy had a demanding job, he would always make time to pick the boys up from school. On the way home, he would hold Bennett's hand while Elliot kept pace beside them, giving a report of all that he did at school that day. Today I made a house and a truck. I really like Miss Jones. Henry invited me and Mike to his birthday party today. Elliot talked and talked while Bennett walked and carefully listened. Daddy smiled gently at the boys, only interrupting every once in a while. Although Elliot loved school, what he loved even more was to hear his daddy say, I've taken the day off tomorrow, how about let's stay home and take a break. Chapter seven, the aroma of a gingerbread house. The day that the boys looked forward to most each year was Christmas, because that was when mummy and daddy would bring a gingerbread house with them. Mummy was an expert baker, daddy in Elliot's mind was the best gingerbread carpenter in the world. What kind of house should we make this year? This question was one that mummy and daddy always asked the boys each year. Through the hard work of four pairs of hands, flour, butter, ginger powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, yeast, baking soda and water would be kneaded into dough balls and baked into delicious smelling gingerbread. Daddy would build a miniature of their real house out of gingerbread, while mummy was responsible for the decorations. The boys were mummy and As the boys grew older, the gingerbread houses became bigger and more beautiful. Five-year-old Elliot felt that he already knew a lot about the world, plus he was going to start elementary school soon. He felt that the tips of his little fingers would soon reach out and connect with the big wide world. Growing up is awesome, he thought. This year the boys gingerbread house went from a one-story house to two stories. The decorations also got fancier, from a monochrome to a palette of bright colors. In their anticipation for the holidays, in each and every moment they spent with their parents making gingerbread, the boys were deepening their love for their parents and home. When the string lights attached to the gingerbread house finally lit up, the boys hearts almost burst with love. The whole family shared kisses, hugs and blessings with each other, while daddy took Bennett in his arms and raised him high into the air. Listening to their infectious laughter almost made the gingerbread men on the table want to get up and dance. Chapter 8. Conflicted Charlotte However, one of Elliot's classmates, Charlotte, was not so happy. Charlotte is a pretty girl. Every day she had come to school dressed in clothes that were both cute and elegant at the same time. It's not hard to tell that her mother was both sensible and capable. Charlotte is slightly taller than the boys in her class. She would often lose her temper when she had disagreements with her classmates, and when she couldn't control herself, she'd even push and shove the other children. When the children who got pushed started to cry, they'd inevitably go to the teachers for help. After the teachers talked to both sides to get a complete picture of the story, Charlotte would usually get called to the side and receive a stern talking to. This school year, Charlotte had already been spoken to three times about her behaviour. The last time she got called aside, Ms Jones looked into the little girl's eyes and then said in a stern but gentle voice, I know you're very kind Charlotte, but do you want other kids to push and shove you? No, right? So you definitely can't treat other people like that, or else you'll make other people sad, and you'll be sad too, okay? Promise me that you won't do it again. Charlotte gave a small nod. Yes, I promise, she whispered. From that day on, Ms Jones never heard of Charlotte fighting with the other students again. Charlotte loved dance. During dance class, the dance teacher even praised her for how focused she was, how quickly she could learn, and how expressive her movements were. All this, and she wasn't even five yet. Ms Jones was relieved to see Charlotte enjoying herself, but there was still a little bit of worry in her heart for the little girl. Chapter nine, Outburst. As the year drew closer to Christmas, more and more holiday spirit began to fill the classroom with each passing day. But Ms Jones' observant eye noticed that Charlotte seemed to be quite down. Finally, one day, Charlotte raised her small fists and started attacking her cubby, one punch after another. Elliot's cubby was right next to Charlotte's. He always filled his cubby with his proudest creations and the rewards he got from his teachers. From being next to Charlotte, he's seen a lot more of her situation than their other classmates. Charlotte has told him more than once that the penguin stickers on her cubby were a present from her mum, and that she loves them very much. Elliot thought Charlotte was very nice and pretty, but because she was a girl, he felt that it was still easier to speak to Henry and Mike. When Charlotte began to hit the penguin stickers on her cubby, Elliot was right beside her. He felt a little bit uneasy and didn't know what he could say to Charlotte. Luckily, Ms Jones also saw what was going on. Ms Jones called Charlotte aside and spoke to her in a gentle voice. This cute little penguin, when you beat him up, won't he feel hurt? Wouldn't he be sad? Charlotte looked up into her teacher's eyes desperately. I'm sorry, Ms Jones, but I'm just so angry. I can't hold it in. I don't want to hit the other kids. They're my friends. Soon, Charlotte began to cry. Chapter 10. I Want to Go Home Oh, is there something that's making you upset? Can you tell Ms Jones? We can try to come up with a solution together, said Ms Jones. I miss mummy. Why hasn't mummy come to pick me up yet? I want to go home, said Charlotte through her sobs. The pain hiding at the bottom of her heart had finally bubbled to the surface. But all of this was no surprise to Ms Jones's discerning eye, which had long picked up on the special attention that Charlotte paid to her mother's each and every expression. She seemed to spend every day trying to earn her mother's smile, hoping that she could make mummy feel happy so that mummy would love her even more. Ms Jones gave Charlotte some comforting words. You're a very kind and genuine child, and I think you're doing a great job today. You're coping with the thought of missing mummy. You're being considerate of mummy's work, and you're also trying to draw a nice picture for her so that you can cheer her up after a long day, right? Seeing that Ms Jones understood the unspoken feelings in her heart, Charlotte calmed down. Chapter 11. Just a Little Longer Ms Jones continued, Just a little longer, Charlotte. I'll tell you a secret. When people feel like they really can't hold on anymore, we just have to tell ourselves, just a little longer. This is a very important secret because the longer we can hold on, the more of our bad energy goes away. Do you remember what I told you before? All the bad things in life happen because we have bad energy or karma. Without karma, people become happy and peaceful. Yes, I remember, replied Charlotte. Ms Jones smiled and took Charlotte's hands in hers. And as you keep holding on, you'll forget the pain of holding on. As you keep holding on, the knot in your heart will untie itself. As you keep holding on, the power of holding on becomes bigger and bigger, and soon you'll feel that there's really no reason to be angry at things. You won't feel upset anymore, and holding on won't be as hard. Charlotte's eyes opened wide. Really? Her teacher nodded, her voice steady and confident. Absolutely. This is something called, when it's difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it's impossible to do, you can do it. The book Juan Falun talks about this idea. As long as people have truthfulness, compassion and forbearance in their hearts, they can overcome any challenge. See, you look so pretty when you're calm inside, Charlotte. Your face is glowing and your eyes are sparkling. Mommy's sure to be happy when she sees you like this, don't you think? Asked Ms Jones. Charlotte broke into a smile. Yes, I'm the prettiest. Ms Jones stood up. I think there's about an hour before mommy will come pick you up. Why don't we try just holding on a little longer? She pointed at the wall clock for Charlotte to see. Though it was just an ordinary looking clock, there was a certain humility and friendliness about it as it silently and diligently reported the time for the class each day. It always had a smile on its face for the young children who still didn't know how to read a clock, patiently awaiting the day when they'd understand the message within its hands. I'll try, said Charlotte, casting these words behind her as she ran towards the other side of the classroom. Soon she was playing with her friends like nothing had happened. Chapter 12. The missing piece. It was now even closer to Christmas. One day Elliot was telling Henry and Mike about how his family makes their gingerbread house every year. Charlotte was quietly drawing at the table beside them. Every day she'd always draw a big heart and sometimes she'd even write I love you in the middle. That was her gift to her mother. The chatter from the boys floated into Charlotte's ears. Without realising it, she lowered her eyes and pressed her lips tightly together. Her hands pushed the crayon she was using into the paper harder, sending messy streaks of colour outside the heart she was trying to colour. The children spent every school day in the same classroom and were each other's constant companions, and the time they spent together far outnumbered the time they spent with their parents and siblings. Because of this, everyone's daily emotions and experiences are often only known by their classmates and teachers. Hearing the heavy scratches of crayons on paper, Elliot, Henry and Mike turned to look at the next table over. Charlotte's sudden change of emotions soon overshadowed their happiness from Elliot's story. As the three boys wondered what they could say to Charlotte, Ms Jones came up to the table. Do you know what's happened here? Elliot was first to respond. She's been like this a lot. I don't know what we can do to help. Ms Jones seemed to think for a moment, and then gave Elliot a gentle pat on the shoulder. She walked over to Charlotte, kneeled down beside her and asked, Hey, are you okay? Is this a picture for mummy? Charlotte nodded, her lips in a slight pout. Yes. You seem unhappy, Charlotte. Can you tell Ms Jones why you feel that way? The little girl kept her head lowered as she continued doodling on the paper. Thick, messy strokes soon covered up the heart she was originally trying to draw. Ms Jones lowered her voice to a whisper. Charlotte, can I give you a hug? Charlotte considered for barely a second before agreeing. Chapter 13. No Daddy. After Charlotte left the hug, Ms Jones sat down on a chair next to her. What did you want to draw for mummy today? A big heart, said Charlotte. I see. What colour did you want to make it? Asked Ms Jones, placing a new sheet of white paper in front of Charlotte. Charlotte looked down without a word. Ms Jones smiled and gave her a recommendation. How about a yellow one? Yellow like sunlight, yellow like warmth. As soon as Charlotte heard this, she went to the rack against the wall to pick out a golden yellow crayon. Is it this one? She brought the crayon back to Ms Jones. After Ms Jones confirmed that she had picked the right colour, she started to draw on the new sheet of paper. Ms Jones could feel that deep inside Charlotte's heart, there was both a tough stubbornness and a forced restraint. She silently watched Charlotte as the little girl drew her heart, thinking, she's not always the best at communicating, but she is actually a very kind kid. I guess it's best to let her decide when she'll open up and who she'll open up to. Just as Ms Jones was mid-thought, Charlotte suddenly lifted her head. Quietly but distinctly, she said to Ms Jones. I don't have a daddy. Ms Jones did a double take. What did you say Charlotte? I don't have a daddy. I don't have a daddy. Charlotte repeated herself as she looked up at Ms Jones nervously, her voice quaking. Chapter 14. Sympathy. At first, Ms Jones was at a loss for words. Was mummy a single mother? Did daddy pass away? Or did the parents divorce and Charlotte got to stay with her mother? Or... Ms Jones couldn't bring herself to ask. Innocent, sensitive Charlotte seemed to have already suffered psychological wounds and emotional burdens far beyond her years. Let me go get a drink of water, I'll be right back, said Ms Jones as she went for the water bottle in her backpack. One sip, two sips, three sips, gulp, gulp, gulp. The cool spring water had a healing effect. Letting out a long sigh, Ms Jones thought, in today's world, so many children grow up without complete families and there are so many parents who can't make time for their children. She recalled the image of Charlotte's mother, her expression always shrouded in a light fog. Every day Charlotte was always so fixated on drawing a heart for her mother, but now Ms Jones had a better idea of what she was going through. It wasn't just the loneliness of not being able to see mummy, but also the longing and pain from missing a father's love. Ms Jones returned to Charlotte's table and sat down. Now Charlotte, I'd like to tell you something that's very, very important. It's something that's very, very important if a person wants to be happy in life. She padded the empty chair next to her, indicating for Charlotte to take a seat. Hearing Ms Jones' words, the other students sped over to the table she was at and looked for a place where they could sit. There weren't enough chairs for everyone at the table, so some of the kids brought over chairs from other tables. Some kids couldn't find a seat and ended up standing behind their seated classmates, craning their necks toward Ms Jones. Ms Jones leaned forward to look at her class. So what Ms Jones is about to say is something that only people who have travelled to a lot of places and who've walked very difficult paths can understand. It's something that you can only understand using your heart and soul. Even if you can just understand a little bit of what I'm trying to say, that's already very amazing. Is everyone ready? She scanned the class around her. Some of the children nodded, others had their eyes wide open, their expressions earnest and curious. On earth, every one of us has a home and a mummy and daddy. Even if mummy and daddy aren't by your side, they are forever your parents. The blood in a child's veins comes from their mummy and daddy and a child will forever live in their parents' hearts, said Ms Jones. But more importantly, every person on earth also has a home in the sky, in heaven. So even when a child is at home with their mummy and daddy, they all may still feel a little bit nostalgic, a little bit like something's missing. But they don't really know what it is that they're nostalgic for or what it is they're missing. Chapter 16. What Nancy saw. What? Ms Jones's words got a variety of reactions from the class. Some kids opened their eyes even wider, others broke into a smile. Nancy, however, raised her hand. Ms Jones, is that home over there? The kids looked up to where Nancy was pointing. Where? What are we looking at? But Ms Jones understood. As a Falun Dafa practitioner who follows the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, she knew that Nancy had her celestial eye open and could see things that everyday people could not. Nancy, what colours and shapes do you see? Asked Ms Jones. It's the sky and a big family, said Nancy. What colour is the sky? What colours are the family wearing? They're wearing white robes and have curly blue hair, said Nancy. They're smiling at me and they love us. They hope that we can go home soon. A sense of excitement came over the class as they marvelled at Nancy's magical description. Actually, Ms Jones had also seen some things that the class couldn't. When she was telling Nancy and the rest of the children about their heavenly home, a pink drizzle began to descend from the ceiling. As each drop of rain hit the ground, it transformed into a lotus flower with translucent pink petals. To Ms Jones, their exquisite fragrance quickly filled the room. This was a sign of encouragement and well wishes from the divine beings above. Nancy had seen the shower of petals too, but she didn't yet know just how special and rare her ability was. Naturally, she thought all the teachers and students could see what she saw. Sadly, most people have already lost that ability and can no longer see the things she does. Seeing some of her classmates' sceptical expressions, Nancy couldn't understand. Can't you guys see? It's right there! Chapter 17. Little People, Big Help. Ms Jones gave a smile and switched topics. Who's seen their parents fight before? Please raise your hand. The children looked at each other. Some looked at the ground. One small hand slowly raised above the others. Two forlorn little faces looked up at Ms Jones. Don't be afraid everyone, said Ms Jones. Even though we may just be little kids, little people can often be a big help to the adults. Then, Ms Jones told the class a story of a family of Falun Dafa cultivators. Xin is a six-year-old boy who lives in Sichuan province of China. It was almost New Year's and his kindergarten had already let out for winter break. But because his parents still had to work, they sent Xin to stay with his grandma. Grandma was 60 that year and at her house she'd often play recordings of Master Li Hongzhi's lectures. Xin would listen to the recordings as he played with his toys. Slowly, he began to learn how to use truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance to look at the problems in his life and improve his character. One day, Xin's mummy and daddy got into an argument. Nobody would back down. The atmosphere in the house felt tense. Xin walked into the kitchen and spoke to his dad. Daddy, you have to remember truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. If you get into a fight, other people are going to laugh at you. Daddy felt embarrassed and couldn't say another word. Xin then went to his mum. Mummy, daddy's being patient with you now. You should be patient too. Mummy also calmed down and stopped arguing back. After a while, mummy and daddy both made up. And why did this happen? Asked Miss Jones. It's because truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance are three magic words that have the best energy of the whole universe inside them. A few of the students broke into delightful laughter. Wow, I'll also tell my daddy to remember truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, said the boy who raised his hand earlier. Right, you don't want them to fight. You can help them, said Henry who sat beside him. Charlotte sat quietly as if lost in thought. Chapter 18. Hotel. We've all gone on vacation with our families, right? Where have you all gone? Asked Miss Jones, turning the class towards a new question. Elliot raised his hand. Miami, we went on a plane. Henry also raised his. I also went to Florida, but we drove there. My whole family's going to Mexico for New Year's, said Mike. That's wonderful. Thanks for sharing, said Miss Jones. When you travel though, did you stay in a hotel? Yes, we did. I like hotels by the ocean. The rooms are big and pretty, said Elliot. And then what happened? Asked Miss Jones. Elliot didn't understand. And then? He turned to look at Henry and Mike who shook their heads. He turned back to look at Miss Jones. Yes, and then, after the trip was over, you all went home, right? Right, the children responded confidently. Our entire lives on earth are just like a trip. Our home in heaven is our real home, said Miss Jones. The home we have on earth is just like a hotel to us. Once our vacation is over, we'll leave the hotel and go back to our home in heaven. Hearing this, Elliot nodded his head solemnly. After school, I'll tell my little brother about this. Bennett will definitely remember this. Bennett was only in preschool, so the brothers could only meet after school lets out. Miss Jones smiled and nodded back. When our journey on earth ends, we, our parents, our brothers and sisters, everyone will go back to our home in heaven. That home is the best home, and you can live there for a thousand years, ten thousand years, forever. How long is forever? It's how long it takes to walk from here to the horizon, and then from the horizon to the moon and stars, and then past the moon and stars to places even farther out. Mike stood up, amazed by Miss Jones's words. Do you remember a place like that? Do you think you can draw it? Asked Miss Jones. Some kids shook their head and smiled sheepishly. Some nodded, unsure if they understood. Some looked at their teacher, looked at their friends, and then ran off to play. Nancy looked at the sky and gave an emphatic nod. Chapter 19. The Road Home. Who doesn't want to return to the arms of their loving parents? Everyone wants to go home. But Miss Jones, how do we go back to heaven? When will we? Henry and Charlotte asked almost at the same time. Before they could finish their sentences, a pair of angelic wings appeared behind each of them, visible only to those who could see. You have to overcome challenges, said Miss Jones. Overcoming challenges is the road back home. I hope you all can remember. Even though it's sometimes hard when you go through challenges in life, it's a really good thing in the end. What, really? A mischievous boy made a silly face. A few girls looked a little worried. How do we overcome challenges? Asked Charlotte, her eyes alight. When she spoke, the wings behind her glowed, seeming exceptionally beautiful and bright. Such a sight gave anyone who saw it a warm, bubbly feeling, as if their heart had been touched by the softest feather. Miss Jones nodded again and spoke softly. When we fall down, we feel pain. Enduring pain is overcoming a challenge. When we miss mummy and daddy and are sad inside, enduring the sadness is overcoming a challenge. When we're in class, we get tired. Enduring tiredness is also overcoming a challenge. The road home is travelled one step at a time. With every step we walk, we get one step closer to home. Chapter 20. Karma. Seeing the many pairs of sparkling eyes looking expectantly at her, Miss Jones continued to explain. All the unpleasant things we deal with in life are caused by karma. Everyone on earth has karma. What is karma? Well, we all make mistakes, right? She asked. When we make mistakes, say mean words to people or hurt other people, we give ourselves karma. Karma is a kind of dark energy. We can't see it with our eyes, but it makes people get sick, feel sad or get upset. When we overcome challenges or endure unpleasant things, we can get rid of the bad karma and turn it into virtue. Virtue is white and it's good energy that gives you happiness, luck and peace. I like virtue, said Mike. I don't like karma. That's right, replied Miss Jones. Once your karma is all gone, that's when you can go home to heaven. So when you miss mummy or you want daddy to pick you up sooner and maybe daddy can't come yet, you feel upset inside, right? But if you endure the upset feeling and don't let it control you, you're overcoming a challenge and you can get rid of your karma. As she said this, Miss Jones stretched out her hands. She looked at her left hand and said, karma, I don't want you. She looked at her right hand. I'll overcome challenges and get rid of you. Finally, she clasped her hands together. There are gains and pains, but no pain, no gain. Chapter 21. Challenges and happiness. No pain, no gain, no pain, no gain. Mike, who would seem distracted just a moment ago, yelled and repeated Miss Jones's words, no pain, no gain. The other boys also joined his chant. The boys broke into laughter and the girls followed them. Only Nancy, wise beyond her years, shook her head at them in exasperation as if to say, boys will be boys, what can we do? Smiling, Miss Jones looked towards Nancy. Don't worry about it. Everyone's happy and that's because virtue is at work. Nancy looked at Charlotte. Mike stretched out his arms and ran a lap around a few tables. He came back full of energy and threw his arms over the shoulders of Henry and Elliot. Charlotte, come build Legos with us, he said. You'll overcome challenges and become even happier, added Henry. The class separated out by twos and threes and chatter resumed in the classroom. Chapter 22. A compassionate voice. Miss Jones got up and walked over to the classroom window. Peering outside, she could see that the sun was starting to set. The parents who got out of work early were already starting to pull into the school's parking lot. The sunflowers in the school courtyard were aflame with color from the setting sun. The dahlias, pink, orange, red and beige shone brilliantly against the green of their leaves. Your heavenly home is the place where you belong. It is beautiful beyond compare, beyond your wildest imagination on earth. Children, I'm looking forward to your successful journey back. From somewhere deep in the universe came a compassionate voice, bright and majestic. Miss Jones and Nancy looked towards the sky as if by reflex. The other children seemed to have sensed something as well, unconsciously listening for something they weren't sure if they heard. The wind blew gently, caressing the flowers. The clouds floated by as if to greet the children. This day, to Miss Jones and her students, was a fruitful day that will forever live on in their memories. This Christmas and New Year's, Charlotte will no longer be depressed from missing her father, because she knows that her family in heaven is always watching over her. Together with her mother on earth, they will bear witness to the journey of her growth. Elliot and Bennett's home will still be warm, filled with the scent of gingerbread. And in Elliot's heart, their gingerbread house was no longer just an activity to look forward to each year. It was also a symbol that marked the passing of one more year on his family's path back to their real home.