Our Friend, Mr.Sun

Izzy's POV

Sammy and my sisters separate. But I stay where I am. I feel a tap on my back and I jump back with a screech. My eyes look around. There is Emma. 

"You must have got here really early. Also do you know where Sammy is?" Emma asks

I don't know what to say... 

Emma groans. "Do you even talk?" 

I do...I just...I'm too scared...

I feel my heart racing as Emma waits for an answer, but no words come out. I want to say something, anything, but the fear of messing up or sounding weird keeps me frozen. 

Emma sighs, rolling her eyes. "You're so weird, Izzy."

I bite my lip, feeling my face flush with embarrassment. I wish I could speak up like Sammy... or Izzy, but the words are stuck. My mind races with things I could say, but none of them feel right. 

Emma crosses her arms. "Whatever. I'll go find Sammy myself."

I watch her walk away, feeling the familiar weight of loneliness settle in. I want to speak. I really do. But the fear is stronger than the words.

Maybe...maybe next time.

I stay hidden behind the net, watching the kids pour in. Some of them I recognize-the ones who always seem to have something to say, who are loud and confident. Others are new, looking around curiously or sticking close to their parents. I wonder if any of them feel as nervous as I do.

I see a group of girls laughing together, already making friends. Part of me wishes I could join them, but I can't move. My hands grip the net as I keep watching. It's safer here, where no one can notice me. I'm invisible. 

Or so...I thought I was...Mr. Sun is looking at me from below. I can feel his eyes, even if I don't meet them.

I know Mr. Sun is trying to help, but it just makes me more nervous. I don't want anyone's attention right now. Especially not from him. I'm not like Y/N or Sammy. They're brave, even if they get scared sometimes. I just... freeze.

I'm almost jealous. Lana has always hated talking to people as much as I have...but when I see her now, she has a friend. And she's talking. She. Is. Talking. And here I am, I still can't get a MEEP out of my throat!

I watch as Emma runs off to find Sam. I wish I could be like her, loud and brave, but my mouth just won't open. I always feel like I'll say the wrong thing, or that people will laugh.

My heart starts racing again when I catch a glimpse of Mr. Sun climbing up up the playground. I want to shrink into the net and disappear. Why is he coming up here? Why can't I just blend into the background like always?

"Little Izzy... What are you doing still sitting up here?" Mr. Sun asks softly.

His rays spin slowly as he kneels down beside me, waiting patiently for an answer. But...I can't. I can't speak. I mean, I can... But I can't. I want to say something, tell him I'm okay, but it's like my voice is trapped inside, and no matter how hard I try, it won't come out.

After a few moments of silence, Mr. Sun sighs. "Well, I'll be right down there if you need me, alright?" He gives a little wave before climbing back down. 

"Sun..." I mutter. I said something. I actually said something.

Mr. Sun pauses for a moment, halfway down the playground, his rays spinning ever so slightly. He must have heard me.

Slowly, he turns around, his wide grin softening a little. "Did you say something, little Izzy?" he asks gently.

I can feel the words slipping away. The courage that I had feels like it's fading. I want to say something, to keep going, but all I can do is nod slightly, my eyes darting to the ground.

Mr. Sun smiles warmly. "Well, look at that!" he says, cheerfully, "You did it. I knew you had it in you."

His words are kind, and for a moment, I feel a little braver. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I can say something more.

I take a deep breath. My fingers are still gripping the net tightly, but I manage to force out a small, quiet word. "Thanks..."

It's barely more than a whisper, but I said it. I actually said it.

Mr. Sun's grin grows a little wider. "See? It's not so hard, is it?" He gives me another encouraging smile before heading back down to the other kids.

Sunrise's POV

A few hours have gone by, and it's time for lunch. I move around the daycare, carefully passing out lunches to each of the children sitting at the tables, making sure everything is in order. I can hear the excited chatter and giggles as they already start to munch on their sandwiches and snacks.

Ashley and I work side by side, making sure every child is taken care of. "Here you go, Lana," I say, handing her a sandwich with a smile. She nods shyly, not saying much, but she takes it with a small smile before joining her sisters.

I make my way over to Izzy, who is still sitting at the same table with her sisters Lana and Jade. "There you go, little Izzy. A yummy lunch to keep your strength up!" I say in a sing-song voice, hoping to get a little smile out of her.

Izzy looks up at me briefly, giving the smallest nod. I'm proud of Izzy. She found her voice today... Although the only word she says now is "Sun". But that's okay. It's progress.

"Take your time, little one," I say softly, resisting the urge to ruffle Izzy's hair.

I stand back up, watching as the girls sit together, quietly munching on their lunches. Lana and Jade are talking softly to each other, but Izzy is still more reserved, eyes focused on her food. I wonder how I can help her feel more comfortable around the other kids. It's clear she's still nervous, but I can tell she's trying.