To Share

The kids are just finishing lunch and Kayla is enjoying the chocolate bunny crackers her mother packed for her.

Legend - "What's that, Kayla? Mommy, what Kayla has?"

Me - "Those are crackers like your chocolate fish crackers, but they are shaped like bunnies."

Legend - "Kayla, you share with me? Please?"

Kayla is silent while she munches her crackers.

Me - "Kayla doesn't have to share with you. Those are her lunch that her mommy packed for her. If you are still hungry, I can get you something else..."

Legend hops down from his chair and sidles up to Kayla - "Maybe I look at it?"

Kayla holds up a cracker so he can see it.

Me - "Kayla, you may share if you want to, but you don't have to. It's up to you."

Legend smiles and nods encouragingly - "Maybe I smell it?"

Kayla holds the cracker toward Legend so he can smell it.

Legend smiles more broadly and nods at Kayla, clearly expecting her to hand it over now.

Kayla slowly and solemnly places the cracker in her own mouth, eyes wide watching for Legend's reaction.

Legend, simply - "Okay."  He hops back to his own chair, fully accepting Kayla's decision. 

He is full of surprises.