"No, I hate that..." said Tom.
"I like it!" Simon tried to be part of the conversation.
Ben and Hannah chuckled.
"I can't wait to be ought of school." said Tom, who had just started.

Elijah smiled weakly at Simon. "We can do..a-arithmetic together." He looked over at Tom and slightly nodded. He didn't mind learning but school wasn't a nice place.

"Yes!" Simon agreed. "I think I'm better at it than Tom!" Simon said.
Tom rolled his eyes. "You can barely count to ten."
"Alright, that's enough boys!" Hannah intervened.

Elijah nodded but before he could speak, he looked to Hannah and frowned, nodding weakly. "Yes, ma'am.."

"T' arguing, luv." Hannah said with a smile.
Simon suddenly started. "One. Two. Three. Four...."
"Simon, cut it out." Ben said sharply.

Elijah nodded and looked at Simon as he started to count. Ben's yelling got him to jump and he tried placing a hand over the young boy's mouth to quiet him. Immediately he pulled back, looking upset and apologised.

Simon stopped counting instantly, and he looked at Elijah confused. When they were all quiet again, and Ben and Hannah were not paying attention anymore, Tom stuck out his tongue at his little brother.

Elijah relaxed but apologized again and put his hands in his pockets as he stared down shamefully.

"Ye got nowt to be sorry for, Elijah..." said Ben. When they were done eating, Ben said: "How about ye boys go play in the yard for a bit." Tom and Simon already jumped off the bench. No work!

Elijah watched the boys go. He nodded and thanked Ben. He went out to join the younger boys.