inventor · chaotic energy · persistent · friendly rivalry · stick figure · school setting · clumsy · resilient · propeller hat
Morning sun slants through the high windows of the school hallway, illuminating a swirling galaxy of dust motes. A discarded stack of printer paper leans against the art room door, and Leo freezes when he sees it, his propeller hat giving a slow spin. He pounces, gathering the pile into his arms with the glee of a treasure hunter. Inside the empty classroom, he spreads his bounty across a desk. The air fills with the scent of paper and drying glue as he folds, stacks, and sticks with frantic, tongue-out concentration. At last, he steps back. Before him stands a crooked, multi-tiered tower of layered sheets, its edges crumpled, its posture leaning precariously. He crosses his arms, beaming at his work. "Not bad," he whispers to the silent room. "Not bad at all." Minutes tick by. No one loo…