At home, Rourou reached for a favorite toy. An adult said, “Please wait.”
Rourou hit the cushion beside the adult. Thump! The cushion tipped, and the toy dropped.
Rourou looked at the fallen cushion. “Mad,” he said.
Rourou pointed to the toy. “My turn, please.” The words stuck.
Rourou stomped three times and squeezed the soft toy. Squeak! He paused and pointed again.
At the playground, another child took the swing Rourou wanted. Rourou lifted a hand, then lowered it.
Rourou said, “Help, please.” He took two slow breaths as the swing creaked.
The swing moved away before Rourou could climb on. “No!” he shouted.
Rourou stomped to a quiet corner and squeezed the soft toy. He pointed toward the empty swing.
A sudden gust sent the soft toy bouncing into a bush. Rourou stared after it.
Rourou asked for help. Together, they retrieved the squeaky toy from the bush.
Back at the playground, Rourou said, “My turn, please.” He waited beside the swing.
The waiting child stepped away. Rourou climbed onto the swing and squeezed the toy once.
Creak, creak, creak. Rourou swung forward, holding the soft toy close.
