Then Maya appeared, out of breath, holding a crumpled drawing. “Leo! I made this for you. It’s you… but smiling.”
It was Tuesday, which Leo already considered “the Monday of the rest of the week.” His toast was too crispy. His shoelace snapped. And his little sister, Maya, had the audacity to hum the theme tune from that cartoon she knew he secretly liked. mardy bum
Leo slumped deeper into the sofa, pulling the hood of his sweatshirt so low it became a fabric cave. The world, he decided, was too loud, too bright, and too happy without his permission. Then Maya appeared, out of breath, holding a
At school, his best friend, Aisha, slid a chocolate biscuit onto his desk. It’s you… but smiling
“ That. Existing so cheerfully .”
“Don’t call me that.”
“It could be,” said Maya.