Julian shared most of what happened at school that day with his mom.
However, he kept quiet about Adrian wanting to be the older brother and always getting upset, because he had promised Adrian he wouldn't tell anyone.
His uncle had once said that good friends keep their promises.
After listening to him, Mila nodded thoughtfully. "So, you want to be good friends with him and play together, but he doesn't seem to want to play with you as much?"
Julian tilted his head, pondering for a while, and then nodded gently.
Mila was a bit troubled by this.
She had chosen her words carefully, but it seemed to her that the child Julian spoke of might not enjoy playing with him. Yet, this was the first peer Julian had gone out of his way to befriend, and such opportunities were rare.
She considered for a moment and asked, "If you really want to be friends with him, maybe you could try sharing a gift?"
It was worth a try.
Everyone, young and old, loves receiving gifts. A child, in particular, might be more straightforward in their thinking—happy to receive a gift, possibly more open to friendship. Over time, if they found they got along well, they could become good friends.
And if it didn't work out, they'd think of another playmate for him.
"A gift?" Julian tilted his head slightly.
Mila smiled, "Yes, something tasty or fun, anything you like."
Julian thought for a while, looking conflicted. "I like the candle you gave me, Mom, but I don't want to give that away."
He was always honest about these things.
Anything his mom gave him was precious, and he wouldn't even let his uncle touch it, let alone give it away.
Anyone would be pleased by such sincerity, and Mila was no exception. She beamed as she tousled Julian's hair, her voice gentle.
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