The Low End of the Sheet

Ages 6-9

Reizy holds one end of a long paper sheet. Pesi holds the other.

They carry it from their classroom table to the empty table beside the cupboard.

A red paper circle is glued near the middle of the sheet. Its edge lifts from the paper.

Reizy raises her end toward her chin.

The sheet tilts. Pesi holds her end at her waist.

"Hold it straight," Reizy says.

Pesi lifts her hands a little.

Reizy lifts hers too. The middle bends beneath the red circle.

"Straight."

Pesi stops walking.

Reizy looks along the paper.

Reizy stops too.

She lowers her end to her waist. The sheet lies flatter between them.

Pesi brings her hands level with Reizy's.

They walk to the empty table.

Reizy sets down her end. Pesi sets down hers.

The red circle still has a loose edge.

Reizy holds the sheet flat while Pesi presses the circle down.