Getting It

Image by Nino Carè from Pixabay

Linny did her best to ignore Kelly’s constant nattering.

“Why are we traipsing in and out of every store in the mall?” Kelly stopped, refusing to walk any farther.

Linny considered continuing on without her younger sister, but Mom would kill her if she lost her in the mall. It wasn’t like Kelly couldn’t take a bus home. Sighing, Linny turned around and walked back to where Kelly stood rooted to the ground.

“Why do you have to be such a pain?”

“I just don’t see why you’re looking in every store for a stupid scarf you’re not going to find.”

Linny fought back the sharp retort that wanted to push its way past her lips. Kelly couldn’t help it. She didn’t always get things without a clear explanation. It was the concrete thinking.

Linny took a calming breath, like Kelly’s therapist had taught her. “I know I’m unlikely to find the scarf,” she said. “but it’s worth looking. If I don’t check out all the stores, I definitely won’t find it. But if I do, It’s just possible that I will.”

Linny watched Kelly process what she had just said. Gave her a moment.

“Yeah, but it’s still a pain.” Kelly said.

“It is. I’ll tell you what. We’ll check out three more stores and then I’ll buy you an ice cream before we finish the rest.”

Kelly grinned. “You’ve got a deal. Afterwards, can we check out a few stores for that retro game I want?”

“Sure,” Linny said, smiling. It sometimes took Kelly a bit to get a concept. But when she did, she really got it.

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It’s sometimes difficult to remember to be kind, especially when someone is wired a little differently than usual. However, kindness goes a long way towards smoothing over rough spots..