David scurried after the ball as quickly as his little legs could carry him. He had to hurry, or he’d lose sight of the ball entirely! It was a hassle when the ball got lost. It took too long to find it again, time that could have been used annoying his mother and kicking it high once more. So the little boy hustled. Where would it be this time?

He came on his ball soon enough. And near it was this weird girl. She wore funny clothes. David stopped and stared in awe. What was she? She didn’t look like they did. Mommy did say there were always new people coming into Paixao, but she didn’t say anything about them being weird people. She was kinda cool, though. Lots of purple.

David stared more.

And more, his mouth hanging open a little, breath making little clouds in the cold air.

Finally, he swallowed hard and sidled towards the strange girl. He got as close as he dared, and then streeeeeeetched to reach the ball. He grazed it with his fingertips, pushing it away a bit. He quickly hopped forward, snatched it up, and backed off rapidly, eyes never leaving the stranger. He stayed staring until he heard his mother’s voice coming up on him.

“Oh, David, what did you break this time?” Marianne was just coming up on them, still strolling leisurely.

“MOMMY, there’s a WEIRD GIRL HERE!!” David yelled.

“David, mind your manners!” his mother called tiredly. “Did you apologize for hitting her?”