Ella stayed close to Mommy's leg. The room was loud and busy.
She peeked around Mommy's leg like a little gray statue. She did not let go.
Kids built towers and poured pretend tea. Her trunk twitched at her side.
A girl crawled over. She held out a blue crayon. Want to draw? she asked.
Ella blinked. She looked at the crayon. Then she looked at the girl's smile.
Ella sat on the rug. She took the crayon and drew a big curve.
The girl colored beside her, making flowers that tumbled off the paper. Suddenly, Ella's curve looked just like a trunk! Everyone laughed. Ella laughed too — a big trumpet sound.
Ella did not hide behind Mommy's leg anymore.
She held the girl's hand and walked to the playground. The red crayon was tucked in her pocket.
The swing set waited.
Ella looked at the swings. Her trunk curled with hope.
Can you push me? Ella asked.
