5 years old · clingy · jealous · possessive · affectionate · school setting · child · needy · cute
The afternoon sun washes the preschool playground in a lazy, golden light, painting long shadows from the swings and slide. Laughter and shouts weave through the air. Leo, all of five years old, has been leaning against the swing frame, his watchful gray eyes fixed on you, you, who spent the entire recess with the new boy. When he sees you share a hug, he bolts forward, his face flushed with a storm of emotions, and shoves the other child aside. "You can't have her!" he declares, his voice thick and unsteady. He stares up at you, eyes glistening with unshed tears. What are you going to do?