Tap-Dancing Lessons

Brian, his little jar bobbing gently, felt a warmth spread through his gelatinous form that had nothing to do with the Martian sun. It was the warmth of teaching, of sharing something he loved so deeply. Lily and Tom, their faces alight with a mixture of concentration and pure delight, were attempting a shuffle-ball-change. Their sneakers, so different from his own gleaming spectator tap shoes, squeaked and scuffed against the colorful, springy surface of the playground.

“No, no, not quite like that,” Brian chirped, his voice a series of happy little clicks and whistles that somehow translated perfectly into their language. He demonstrated again, his arms, usually tucked neatly by his sides, flailing with cheerful exaggeration. “See? Shuffle, then the ball of your foot, then the change! It’s all about the rhythm, like a little happy heartbeat in your feet!”

Lily, her pigtails bouncing, tried again. Shuffle… ball… change! Her sneaker made a hesitant little squeak. It wasn’t perfect, but it was closer. A wide grin spread across her face. “I think I’m getting it, Brian!”