Joining the Fun

The laughter that bubbled from Nina and William was like a secret song, a bright, happy tune that drifted across the classroom. Leo, who had been standing with a few other children near the reading corner, felt a strange pull towards the sound. He watched them from a distance, his brow furrowed just a little. Nina was showing William how to make a paper airplane, her brow furrowed in concentration as she folded the crisp paper. William’s face, which had held a hint of sadness earlier in the day, was now alight with a wide, joyful smile. He watched Nina’s nimble fingers with fascination, his own hands occasionally reaching out to steady the paper as she worked.

The paper airplane, once complete, was a magnificent thing, all sharp angles and proud wings. Nina held it up, then offered it to William. “Here, try it!” she said, her voice full of encouragement. William took it, his eyes sparkling. With a gentle push, he sent it soaring across the floor, the paper bird gliding through the air with surprising grace. It landed near Leo’s feet, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. Leo looked down at the airplane, then back at Nina and William, who were both watching it with eager anticipation.

A small voice piped up from beside Leo. “It’s… it’s really good,” whispered Maya, her eyes wide. Leo nodded, though he didn’t say anything. He was still watching. He saw how Nina didn’t flinch when William’s hand brushed hers as he reached for the airplane. He saw how William’s eyes crinkled at the corners when he grinned at Nina’s proud nod. There was no scariness there, no reason to be afraid. Just two children, sharing a moment of pure, unadulterated fun.