The Lace Across His Finger

Ages 9-12

Yitzhar sits on a low stool by the coat hooks. The two loops of his shoelace stand up neatly.

His brother sits on the bench facing him. Two loose laces trail from his brother's shoe onto the floor.

Yitzhar bends toward his brother's shoe.

"This one goes over."

He points to one lace. His brother picks up the other.

"This one?"

Their fingers point at different ends.

Yitzhar holds his hands above his own shoe. He crosses one forefinger over the other, then bends a finger into a loop.

His brother watches. He crosses his laces the other way and pulls them tight. He makes a loop, then lets it fall while he reaches for the other end.

Yitzhar crosses his fingers again, more slowly. His brother lifts one lace. Yitzhar points to the other.

From the doorway comes the rustle of Totty's coat.

Yitzhar stands and moves his stool beside the bench. He sits down with both their shoes pointing into the hall.

He pulls one loop of his bow. The knot opens, and the laces slide apart.

Yitzhar holds one end in each hand. His brother does the same.

Yitzhar crosses the ends, tucks one underneath and pulls. His brother crosses his ends, tucks one underneath and pulls too.

Yitzhar makes a loop. His brother's loop slips through his fingers. His brother picks up that lace and bends it again.

Yitzhar brings the other end around his loop. He pushes a second loop through and pulls the two loops apart.

His two loops rest on his shoe.

Beside him, his brother holds one loop. The other lace end lies across his brother's finger.