Maya runs up the stairs, lunchbox bouncing against her hip. She pauses near the small stage and spots a boy below, a thick book pressed against his knee.
She lifts her hand and waves. He blinks, smiles, and waves back. Maya turns and keeps running — her step feels lighter as she reaches her classroom door.
The next morning, Maya walks to class and slows near the stage. The same boy is there with his book and a familiar smile. He holds up a crinkled paper drawing of a rocket ship.
Maya freezes on the stair. Her hand sneaks into her pocket and comes out with a drawing — a wobbly blue star with yellow dots around it. She holds it up.
The boy's eyes go wide. He nods, then holds up his rocket ship drawing again — like a secret handshake.
On the third day, the boy stands up from the stage. He walks toward Maya with his book in one hand and holds out the rocket drawing.
Maya takes the rocket and presses her star drawing into his palm. They both smile.
They turn and head upstairs together, side by side. Neither of them rushes.