ALL eyes pivoted toward him when the teacher's voice singled him out.

Lifting his gaze to meet hers, Jerrold began, "I wish—"

"To talk without stumbling? Is that it?" Vera interrupted, finishing the question for him. Her gaze on Jerrold was one of condescension.

She couldn't believe a boy, for whom words didn't flow with ease, defeated her in areas where she excelled.

The more she dwelled on it, the fiercer her indignation grew.

Jerrold paid no mind to Vera, his attention elsewhere.

The woman's expression clouded with disapproval as she chided, “Vera, words can be hurtful, and Jerrold is your classmate. It's important to be kind, especially for young ladies like yourself."

Vera, unfazed by the admonition, countered, "But am I wrong? He hardly speaks. Maybe he's hoping for a prize to help him talk better!"

As she evaluated Vera from head to toe, the teacher's resolve hardened. The little girl embodied beauty but lacked empathy.

A conversation with Vera's mother seemed imperative.

Early lessons in compassion could set a child on a better path.

With a calm, instructive tone, the teacher replied, "Vera, Jerrold does speak, though his words may be few. We ought to give him more of our consideration. Who knows, he might be the one to lend you a hand when you least expect it."

The mere mention of Jerrold's name seemed to irritate Vera. She snapped, “What assistance could I possibly need from someone who barely speaks? I intend to steer clear of him."

Another voice piped up in support, "Teacher, Vera has a point. We've tried including Jerrold, but he seems indifferent. If he doesn't reciprocate, how can we be of any help?"

The teacher's gaze settled on Jerrold as she inquired, “Jerrold, do you prefer not to join in with your classmates?"

“They're just playing kids’ stuff," Jerrold responded, his voice soft and youthful.

"Kids' stuff?" she echoed, slightly taken aback by the mature sentiment from such a young person.

Jerrold's explanation was straightforward. “Skipping rope isn't my thing."

Her smile was encouraging. “It's important to engage with them, Jerrold. Do you understand? Without words, they might believe you don't wish to play or talk, and that can stick over time."

Jerrold gave a small nod of understanding.

“That's the spirit," she affirmed with a smile. “You can head back now. Off we go."

The kids' elation was infectious as they trailed after her.

Evening brought a warm breeze.

The call from Gerard prompted Lilah to rise and get ready to depart.