Milo stepped onto the playground. His yellow backpack dragged behind him like an anchor. The bell rang and a swarm of children flooded the swings and slides.
Milo sat alone on a bench at the edge of the playground and opened his lunchbox. He pulled out a granola bar, an apple, and cheese crackers.
Two benches away, a boy sat completely still, staring at his empty hands. Milo watched him for a long moment.
The boy looked up and caught Milo watching him. His mouth opened like he wanted to say something, but no sound came out. Milo's tummy gave a small rumble. He looked at his granola bar, then at the boy, then at the gate.
Milo stood up, walked over, and broke his granola bar in half. He held out the bigger piece. The boy's eyes went wide, then he took it with both hands and whispered, "Thank you."
Milo sat down beside him and pulled out his apple. The boy reached into his pocket and produced a single dinosaur-shaped cracker. He offered it to Milo.
Milo took it and crunch. The loud crack sound made both of them laugh.
The recess bell rang and the teacher called everyone inside. Milo asked, "What's your name?" The boy smiled. "Leo." Milo pocketed the dinosaur sticker Leo pressed onto his yellow backpack. It felt a little lighter as they walked into the classroom together.
