Max sat at the back, his feet swinging beneath his chair. His eyes darted from the colorful posters on the walls to Ms. Lopez, who was explaining a math problem with enthusiasm. Despite his efforts, the numbers seemed to dance around the board, refusing to stay still.
"Why do numbers never stay put?" he muttered under his breath, tapping his pencil rhythmically on his notebook.
"How about a little break, everyone?" she suggested, clapping her hands together. The class erupted into cheers, and Max felt a wave of relief wash over him.
"Max, would you like to help me with something outside?" she asked, her tone inviting and sincere.
Max raced ahead, his imagination soaring. To him, the park was not just a patch of green, but a vast kingdom filled with endless possibilities. He transformed the fountain into a magical portal, the trees into towering sentinels guarding hidden treasures.
"Look, Ms. Lopez! That tree is a giant guarding the queen's jewels!" he exclaimed, pointing excitedly.
"And what about that rock over there?" she asked, pointing to a large boulder. "Is it a dragon's egg waiting to hatch?"
Max's eyes widened with wonder as he nodded fervently. "Yes! And we need to protect it from the evil wizard!"
"Thank you for showing me your world, Max," Ms. Lopez said, her voice soft and sincere.
"Thank you for coming with me," Max replied, a grateful smile stretching across his face.
Ms. Lopez gave Max a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Remember, your imagination is a gift. Use it wisely," she whispered before returning to the blackboard.
Max nodded, feeling a newfound sense of confidence. He picked up his pencil, ready to face the numbers once more, knowing that his imagination was his greatest ally.
