The Blue Stripe

Ages 12-15

Nechumi enters through the side door.

A blue stripe begins on the floor and runs past the entrance desk. Beyond it, two corridors turn in different directions.

Nechumi holds her class slip against her coat.

At the desk, the attendant looks up.

A group of older girls passes. Nechumi takes one step after them, then stops beside the blue stripe.

She puts her slip on the desk.

"Which way is this classroom?"

The attendant points along the stripe.

"Follow that to the stairs. First door at the top."

Nechumi picks up the slip.

The older girls disappear around the other corner. Nechumi follows the blue stripe.

At its end, a broad stairway rises beside a notice board. She goes up one flight and stops at the first door.

The sign matches her slip.

Inside, a girl is setting out exercise books. Nechumi folds the slip and puts it in her pocket.

She opens the classroom door. Beneath her, the blue stripe ends at the foot of the stairs.