He began brainstorming strategies to stop the incessant kicking without escalating the situation further. Determined to defuse the situation, Kevin tried a different approach. “How about we find something fun for you to do?” he suggested, forcing a smile. “I’ve got a pencil and notebook you can draw with.”
But just as Kevin reached into his bag, the boy swatted the notebook away, sending it flying. The act was sudden, sharp—filled with an intensity Kevin hadn’t expected, as if the boy’s fear had overtaken any sense of reason.