The school year was over. All the kids in the neighbourhood were outside playing. They laughed, ran around, and shared fun stories. But one boy wasn’t playing—Kristijan.
Kristijan came from a family that didn’t have much money. His clothes were big and old. He didn’t have toys or fun trips like the other kids. Kristijan was shy and stayed to the side, watching the others.
One day, a mom noticed Kristijan standing alone. She told the kids, “Why don’t you ask Kristijan to play with you?” Kristijan’s face turned red. Everyone was looking at him.
How do you think Kristijan felt?
Lazar, one of the kids, called Kristijan to join them. Kristijan walked over but noticed the kids staring at him. Some laughed at his clothes.
Then, someone said, “Let’s play a game on our phones!” Everyone took out their phones, but Kristijan didn’t have one.
“Where’s your phone?” they asked.
Kristijan looked down and said, “I don’t have one.” The kids giggled and whispered.
Lazar felt bad and shared his phone with Kristijan. Kristijan felt a little better and started to play.
How do you think Kristijan felt then?
Later, the kids decided to get ice cream. Kristijan went with them to the shop. When it was his turn to order, he reached into his pockets. He didn’t have any money.
The kids laughed and chanted, “No money, no money!”
Kristijan felt his eyes fill with tears. He ran away, crying.
What do you think the kids could do next?
Should they apologise to Kristijan and
try to be his friends?
Should they keep ignoring him because
he is different from them?