The classroom buzzed with the sound of papers unfolding and excited whispers. The teacher pointed to the empty chair beside the cubby display. "Who wants to share their family picture?"
Adam shrunk into his sweater, tracing the wool seam with his thumb. The clock ticked. Tick. Tick. He shook his head no, then nodded once.
After school, Adam sat at the kitchen table with a blank sheet of paper. His mom poured juice. His dad flipped a pancake. His little sister dragged a box of crayons into the frame.
Adam colored a tall woman, a tall man, a smaller girl, and a bright yellow sun over a house. When his crayon rolled off the table, it left a green streak that looked like a tree. His sister pointed at the accidental leaf. Adam laughed and added more colors.
The next morning, Adam walked into the classroom with his drawing tucked under his arm. He placed it on the teacher's desk and stood behind it, his knuckles white where he gripped the paper.
A boy asked, "Is that your family?" Adam opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He glanced at the green tree and bright sun on his paper and took a breath.
Adam stepped forward, his finger tapping the paper. "Mom," he said, then "Dad," then "Sister," circling the group with "Love" and tapping the house with "Home." His voice grew louder with each word.
When he finished, the classroom erupted in claps. Adam's shoulders dropped, and he smiled.
That evening, Adam brought the drawing to the kitchen table. His mom hugged him, his dad ruffled his hair, and his sister traced the green tree with her finger.
"I like it," his sister said. Adam nodded, already sketching a new picture for tomorrow.