Recently at college, I noticed two young children happily playing with their toys, enjoying each other's company under the shade of a tree.  As I watched, one was temporarily called away by parents, leaving the other behind to play alone.  It was obvious that the child left under the tree, missed the company, but as time wore on, the child dealt with the absence of the other and continued playing.  I assume the child realized that the other would return since the one called away by the parents left its toys.

Finally, when the other child returned, she rejoined the other by the tree.  They were about to resume their fun together but instead, she scooped up her toys and played by herself in the sunlight.  Not wanting to play on his own, the boy left the comfort of the shade and tried to join the girl unsuccessfully as she pushed his toys away.  I couldn't help but shake my head and laugh at the boy and his failed attempts.  He must have heard my laugh since he looked up to find its source.

And when his eyes found mine, he understood.  He picked up his backpack and went to class.