The Quiet Neighbor

Mr. Alvarez lived next door to Priya, and he almost never came outside. Priya's mom said he had moved in after his wife passed away, and that new places can feel lonely. Priya wondered how she could make him feel welcome.

She thought about what she liked when she felt sad. A warm treat always helped, and so did company. So Priya and her mom baked a small loaf of banana bread. Priya drew a card that said, "We are glad you live here."

When they knocked, Mr. Alvarez opened the door slowly. He looked at the bread and the card, and his eyes turned shiny. "Thank you," he said softly. "This is the first time I have smiled all week." After that, he waved to Priya every single morning.