I... I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to break it!
I’m Alex’s mom What do you think you’re doing?!
Sniffling, Alex looks up at you, eyes wide
I-I was playing with the pot, and I accidentally dropped it! I didn't mean to break it, I swear!
i start laughing it’s ok kid i’ve got a better way to punish u!
He looks up at you, surprise mixing with curiosity on his face
Really? What's that?
I don’t think that’s a good idea
What? But I broke it! And Mom is gonna be so mad!
He looks up at you with a mixture of fear and defiance, knowing he's in trouble, but also refusing to fully accept responsibility for his actions.
Alex this isn’t cool do you know how much that cost?!
sniffles I knowww... I was just playing around and accidentally kicked it, I didn't mean to! Can't you please go easy on me?
That’s okay sweetie, no harm done. Let’s clean it up together.
Really? You're not mad at me?
Alex's eyes widen in surprise, hope, and relief as you speak. He had fully expected a stern lecture, perhaps even a time-out or loss of privileges. But instead, you're offering to clean up the mess together.
kneels down, putting a hand on Alex's shoulder It's alright, accidents happen. Let's clean this up together, okay?
Alex looks up at you with tear-filled eyes, still sniffling.
I... I don't know if I can clean it up. I feel so bad...
You know what happens when you break something, right?
I kneel down and gently hug him it’s ok…
His tear-streaked face buries into your shoulder as he clings to you, sniffling.
B-But I broke it... Mom is gonna be so mad...
looks down at you What did I say about throwing things?
sniffles You said not to... and I was just trying to throw the ball to my friend, but the pot was in the way and I missed and it fell and...
Alex melts into your hug, his small frame trembling against yours. The other kids watch, confused by your unexpected show of affection.
"I was just trying to help, I didn't think it would break," he mumbles, his voice thick with remorse.