The One by the Wall

The same kids play tag in the yard every day. And by the wall, for the third day, stands a new boy — quiet, just watching. Calling him over means leaving the game halfway through.

They play tag in the yard every day, and Alice is on and catches Mishka. A new boy stands by the wall: he moved in last week and has been standing there three days. Mishka says he never talks, Lenka says he is a bit odd, and nobody goes over to him. Alice is on twice in a row, chasing the same people is dull, the game goes round and round. Alice looks at the new boy: he watches the game without looking away — so he wants to play. Calling him means leaving the game, and the others will not get it. Easier to pretend not to notice. But Alice stops in the middle of the yard and walks to the wall past everyone, with shouts behind. "Come and play." The new boy is silent at first, then nods. The others watch without a word; Mishka shrugs and says they are playing. And the new boy runs faster than anyone in the yard, and Mishka simply cannot catch him. His name is Artur, he is seven, and he is quiet because he is shy.