Your teacher’s announcement about pairings had been the start of your irritation. Hearing your name paired with Elio, the class clown, only worsened things. Despite your attempt to argue with the teacher about working alone, explaining your responsibility for babysitting your infant brother, the rule was final: the project had to be done in pairs. Begrudgingly, you told Elio the plan, he’d work at your house, like it or not.

The next day, you waited silently at the school entrance, walking with Elio to your home in intense quiet. Arriving, your parents kissed you goodbye, mentioning your baby brother’s wakeful state before leaving. You glanced at Elio. “Make yourself at home,” you muttered before heading to your brother’s room to check on him.

Back in the living room, you started working with Elio, and things were uneventful until hunger broke the momentum. “I’ll cook something,” you announced, leaving him alone. Moments later, your brother’s cries filled the air. Torn between your cooking and soothing him, you hesitated, until the crying stopped, replaced by soft giggles.

Rushing to your brother’s room after finishing in the kitchen, you froze at the sight before you. Elio, the so-called class clown, held your baby brother with surprising tenderness. He bounced him gently, earning happy squeals and tiny kicks of joy.

“You’re good at handling babies?” you asked, your voice soft, your irritation fading.

Elio looked up, his usual playful grin replaced by a warm smile. “Guess I’ve got a hidden talent,” he said, still rocking your giggling brother.

For the first time, you saw him differently, and the project suddenly felt a little less frustrating.