On a cool autumn morning, a young boy, Toby, dressed in an orange heavy down jacket, a fluffy red wool scarf, wearing a light blue toque with ear flaps arrived at school.
“Toby, are you cold?” Katy, a young girl in a pink hoodie asked. “Why did you dress up for winter already?”
“My mum thinks I’m cold,” Toby said softly, feeling slightly ashamed.
“Are you hot under there?” Katy asked, looking a little concerned.
“Nah, I’m ok,” Toby said. “Mom says it is better than catching a cold.”
“Did you tell your mom this may be too warm for this weather?” Katy asked. “Looks like you are sweating.”
“Mom chooses what I wear and decides what I eat,” Toby said. “Mom says she knows what is best for me, when I tell her something, she comes back with a worse choice.”
“Did you tell her that this is too hot for you?” Katy asked.
“I told her that before, and I told her I don’t like piano lessons,” Toby said. “But she will tell me it is for my own good and decides everything for me.”
“Have you got your vaccination yet?” Katy asked. “I got mine yesterday, and my arm is still aching.”
“Mom tells me it is dangerous to get the vaccination,” Toby said. “I could die, and she got really upset last week when I told her that school wants us to take the vaccine.”
“You are so lucky,” Katy said. “Vaccines suck, you look tired, are you okay?”
“I did not sleep well,” Toby said. “Mom called the teacher and shouted at her, then she got really upset and shouted dad as well. I am worried that I will get in trouble in school.”
“I’m sure it will be okay,” Katy said. “Let’s go to class!”
