Lila sat cross-legged on the carpet, her eyes wide with curiosity as she listened to Mr. Thompson. The classroom was vibrant, with sunlight streaming through the windows, casting playful shadows over the colorful posters that lined the walls. "Today, we're going to talk about something very important: respect for our bodies," Mr. Thompson announced with a warm smile.

Mr. Thompson gestured towards a series of posters depicting children in various scenarios. Some kids were hugging, others were standing apart, each with expressions that ranged from joy to discomfort. "Can someone who loves hugs hug anyone they want?" he asked. Lila raised her hand eagerly, "No, they have to ask first," she replied confidently.

In a quieter corner of the circle sat Noah, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. He didn't like hugs, and the idea of saying "no" felt daunting. Mr. Thompson noticed his hesitation. "It's okay to say no, Noah. Your feelings matter," he reassured, nodding gently.

On the opposite side, Sofia was practically bouncing with energy, her arms wide open as if ready to hug the world. "I love hugs! But I always ask first," she shared with a giggle. Lila watched her, understanding dawning in her eyes as she saw how different everyone was.

Lila thought about her classmates, each with their own likes and dislikes. She realized the power of simply asking and listening. "So, respecting our bodies means listening to what we want and asking others what they want too," she concluded aloud, her voice filled with newfound understanding.

The class buzzed with conversation, children sharing their thoughts and experiences. Mr. Thompson watched them with pride, "Remember, respect is for everyone, always. It's how we show care," he said, his words echoing in the warm, sunlit room. Lila smiled, feeling empowered by the lesson she had learned.