The Red Knight

In the morning before leaving for school Uta always tucks one or two Lego figures into the bottom of his backpack. Toys are not allowed at school but we have chosen to overlook this rule. Last year Uta never left the house without being in full costume. No one was even allowed to call him Uta! So if  a tiny toy hidden in his bag gives him the strength he needs to leave the house it's ok with me. But one day recently, Uta returned home in tears, his precious Legos were missing. We were both baffled. He swore he never took them out of his bag and the only person he told about them was Clayton (his designated partner). As much as I hated to ask the obvious question, I had to. "Could Clayton have taken them?" But there was no doubt in Uta's mind; that was impossible, Clayton is his best buddy. 

But the pattern repeated; Uta took a toy to school, returned without it, and had only confided about his hidden treasure to Clayton. After school the next day we decided to confront Clayton. Five year olds are not good liars. Even though Clayton denied taking anything from Uta, it was painfully clear that he had. Very gently, with lots of hugs and reassurance, I coaxed the truth out. Tears quickly flowed, and Clayton started pulling Lego figures from his pockets. All were returned, but one, the red knight. Clayton had taken the red knight home and had hidden him in his bedroom. He promised to bring him back the following day.

Uta was heartbroken. He walked away in a complete slump, just not understanding why Clayton would lie to him. Then he was pissed. He huff and puffed for approximately two blocks. And then it was done. "I still love Clayton," Uta said, "I just want him to bring back the red knight."  And he meant it. The next time they saw each other I was expecting a little tension at least, but there was none. They played happily as if nothing had happened. Clayton had forgotten to bring back the red knight, but he promised to do so the following day.It took a week and a half, Uta inquiring daily about the knight's whereabouts, but finally Clayton brought him back. Hurray for Clayton! Five year olds are good people. They love by default. They forgive in a flash.