Tim stared at the cereal in his bowl, his hands fidgeting with the spoon. The morning sunlight streamed in, painting golden patches on the floor. Tim's mom sat across from him, her face warm but laced with concern as she watched her son. "Tim, you’ve been working so hard at school. I think it’s time you made some new friends. I called your cousin Kevin, and he’s coming by this afternoon,"
Kevin, tall and cheerful with a reassuring grin, led Tim through aisles of cards. "C’mon, Tim, you’ll love the Pokémon tournaments here. Let’s meet some kids," he encouraged, nudging him forward. At a table near the window, a boy with messy hair and bright eyes looked up, shuffling his own deck. Nick, new to the game but eager, offered a hesitant smile.
"Hi, I’m Nick. I just started playing Pokémon. Want to battle?" Tim nodded, his anxiety easing as they played side by side. Kevin watched proudly while Tim and Nick discussed their favorite cards, their voices growing more animated with every turn.
Tim chased Nick around the yard, both boys breathless and grinning. Inside, the living room glowed with late-day sunlight as they took turns on the video game console, high-fiving after every close win. The smell of popcorn drifted in from the kitchen, promising snacks for later.
Nick's mom[/@ch_4] steps in, her voice gentle but carrying a hint of concern. The boys pause their game, the air suddenly still.]
Nick's mom[/@ch_5_d]"Nick, I’ve got your... you know what, sweetie,"[/@ch_5_d] she says, glancing at [@ch_4]Nick and then at Tim. "Mom, not in front of Tim," "You don’t have to be ashamed," Tim replies quietly, meeting Nick's eyes with a small, understanding smile. "I’m a bedwetter myself,"
"You want to spend the night?" Tim hesitates, then nods with a shy smile. Nick grins, a weight lifted from his shoulders. As the two boys settle in for their sleepover, the glow from the hallway nightlight casts gentle patterns on the ceiling, promising the start of a true friendship.
