Eli a 7 year old boy , sat on the porch steps, his iPad balanced on his knees. He watched the other kids playing tag, their laughter filling the air. He longed to join them, but the words remained trapped inside him. His fingers flicked across the screen, composing a silent message to no one in particular.
The children froze as a big black bulldog emerged from the shadows, limping slightly, its eyes wide with fear. While others backed away, Eli stood up, his heart steady. He approached the dog slowly, every step was strong and calm.
Eli kneeled down, extending a hand towards the dog. It hesitated, then moved closer, sniffing at his fingers. He reached out to touch its paw gently, noticing the injury. His touch was tender, and the dog whimpered softly, its growling ceased.
One of the kids, Maya, whispered to her friend, Sam, "Eli's amazing, isn't he?" Sam nodded, eyes wide with newfound respect. "I didn’t know he could do that," he replied, watching as Eli calmed the dog with gentle strokes.
Ella, Eli's sister, approached, her hands moving in sign language. "He’s learning to talk with his hands," she explained. The other kids watched intently, nodding. Maya tried mimicking the signs, giggling as she struggled but persisted.
Eli smiled, a sense of belonging washing over him. The kids crowded around, eager to learn his language, eager to include him. Tommy, the smallest of the group, asked, "Can you show me how to say 'friend'?" Eli obliged, his hands moving with confidence and joy.
