Joseph’s Two Games

At playtime, Alice asks Joseph to join her chalk-path game. Henry asks him to throw beanbags at a target. Joseph likes both games. He looks from Alice to Henry and says nothing, hoping one answer will appear.

“Come now,” Henry calls. Alice is waiting too. Joseph’s shoulders rise. If he chooses one game, he worries that the other friend will think he does not like them. He goes to Ms Hart beside the playground bench.

Ms Hart listens. “Choosing a game is not the same as choosing who matters,” she says. Joseph can ask about playing later, choose one now or take some time. He decides to tell both friends what he is thinking.

“I want to try the chalk path first,” he tells Henry. “Could I come after?” Henry says he may be at the climbing frame by then. Joseph feels a little unsure, but he knows that plans at playtime can change.

Alice shows him the path. They make a new bend together. Later, Joseph checks where Henry is. Henry has put away the beanbags and is watching from the bench. Joseph sits beside him and asks about his morning.

Joseph feels relieved. He did not fit both games into one playtime, but he could still be a friend to both children. Another day may bring a different choice, and he can ask for help if choosing feels difficult again.