Leo was nine years old and loved maps, flags, and trains.He didn’t know everything, but when it came to train routes and stations, his memory was amazing. He could remember the order of stops on the London Underground and loved tracing his fingers over maps, following the tracks.But sometimes, things felt too big and too loud.Unexpected changes, bright lights, and busy places made him feel overwhelmed.Today, he was going on a train adventure in London with Navi, his tutor and friend. Navi was kind and patient. She always understood when things felt like too much.“Are you ready for our trip?” Navi asked, handing him a London Underground map.Leo gripped his favorite flag keychain tightly. “What if I get upset? What if something goes wrong?”Navi smiled. “If that happens, we’ll figure it out together. And remember, Leo—you know so much about trains. Let’s enjoy the ride.”Leo wasn’t sure. But he took a deep breath and followed her into the bustling Underground station.
The London Underground station was huge, bright, and loud.Bing-bong! A station announcement echoed overhead.Whoosh! A train sped past, sending a gust of wind through the platform.Footsteps. Chatter. Luggage wheels rolling.The air smelled of metal, damp stone, and oil. The tiled floor was cold under Leo’s shoes.Leo froze.Too many people. Too many sounds. Too many smells.His heart pounded. His hands curled into fists.He covered his ears. “It’s too much,” he whispered.Navi noticed right away. She guided him to a quiet corner near the station map.“Leo,” she said gently, “let’s take a moment. You can put on your headphones.”Leo took them from his backpack and slid them on.The world became softer, quieter, safer.His breathing slowed. His shoulders relaxed.“Better?” Navi asked.Leo nodded. He could do this.
Boarding the Tube- Leo checked the Tube map. “We take the Victoria Line from Tottenham Hale to Finsbury Park, then switch to the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden.”Navi smiled. “That’s right! You always remember the stops.”The train arrived, and the doors slid open.People rushed inside.Leo didn’t like the pushing and shoving. It made his stomach twist.Navi placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s wait for the next one. We don’t have to rush.”Leo exhaled. That made him feel so much better.A quieter train arrived. They stepped inside and found a seat.
Calming the Overload with Train StopsInside the train, Leo felt his body tense up again.The train rocked side to side.People talked loudly all around him.The lights flickered slightly.His fingers gripped his flag keychain tightly.Too many things were happening at once.His breathing got faster. He felt like he might panic.Navi noticed. She knelt beside him and whispered, “Let’s play a game. Can you say all the stops from Tottenham Hale to Covent Garden?”Leo blinked. His brain clicked into map mode.He took a breath and whispered:“Tottenham Hale… Seven Sisters… Finsbury Park…”His fingers loosened on his keychain.The train rumbled forward.“Finsbury Park… King’s Cross St Pancras… Russell Square…”His breathing slowed. His body relaxed.Navi smiled. “One more.”“Covent Garden.”The train doors whooshed open.Leo looked up. They had arrived.
Leo steps forward, his eyes alight with wonder. Navi watches with pride, knowing this day will be unforgettable. "Let's explore," he declares, his earlier worries forgotten.
Leo darts from one display to the next, his enthusiasm infectious. "See, Leo? You're doing great," Navi says, following him closely.
Leo look
