Maple Grove Kindergarten orientation was loud, colorful, and a little overwhelming. Tiny backpacks were everywhere. Parents looked nervous. The room smelled like paint and cleaning spray. Leo held Cameron's hand tightly, half excited and half scared, quietly taking it all in.
Aaron stood a little off to the side, calm as always in the pastel-colored storm. While everyone else focused on the noise, he was observing the environment, checking exits, watching how teachers moved, and making sure the play equipment looked safe. When a friendly teacher knelt down to greet Leo with a warm smile, Aaron relaxed just a bit. That was a good sign.
"This is a place for learning and making friends," Aaron told Leo later, as they stood near a tank of wiggling tadpoles. "Your job is to watch, join in, and tell us if anything feels wrong."
Leo nodded seriously, his eyes wide as he watched a tadpole wiggle. "Like the cookies in the lying jar."
