Zara is 7 years old. She loves to paint. Today, there’s a big art project at the community centre. All the kids from the neighbourhood are there. Zara is excited, but also nervous. There is a large white canvas in front of her. The teacher says they will paint together. Zara has a problem, though. Her hand gets tired fast. She’s not sure if she can finish.
Zara watches the other kids. They are painting happily. Some are drawing flowers. Others are drawing animals. Zara picks up her brush and starts. But after a few minutes, her hand hurts. She feels embarrassed. She puts her brush down and looks at her tree. It is half done.
How does Zara feel when her hand starts hurting?
Leo, a boy in her class, notices. “Is something wrong?” he asks. Zara feels shy, but she answers. “My hand gets tired when I paint for too long,” she says. Leo thinks for a minute. “Maybe I can help!” he says. Zara is surprised, but also hopeful. “How can you help?” she asks. Leo smiles, “We can take turns. You tell me what to paint, and I’ll help you.”
"How does Zara feel when Leo offers to help?
Zara and Leo are painting together. Zara has the ideas, and Leo helps by painting them. Their tree looks beautiful—green leaves, bright flowers, and big branches. Some other kids come over and watch.
“Can we help too?” one of them asks.
Zara stops for a moment. She likes working with Leo, but she doesn’t want the other kids to know her "secret".