The Outer Pocket

Ages 12-15

Kaila puts her little brother's folded drawing in the main pocket of his bag.

He reaches toward the outer pocket.

Its pull is tangled beneath the strap. Kaila lifts the strap and pushes the pocket flat.

"It's in here," she says, tapping the main pocket.

Her brother pulls the outer zipper halfway open.

"Put the drawing there. I can get it."

Kaila reaches for the main zipper. Inside, the drawing lies straight beside his lunch.

She closes it again.

Her brother holds the outer pocket open.

Kaila takes out the drawing. She slides it into the pocket he is holding.

One folded corner catches against the strap. She moves the strap aside and frees the zipper pull.

Her brother closes the pocket himself.

At the front door, he puts on the bag. Kaila lifts the loose strap away from its side.

He reaches down, opens the outer pocket, and takes out the drawing without touching the main zipper.

Kaila waits while he puts it back. The freed pull rests above the folded corner.