Drake sniffled and looked up at her. "Even if they call us naughty?"
Alina smiled, brushing his soft hair back. "Even then. Because how we behave shows who we are, not who they are. We can't control how others act, but we can always choose to be good and kind."
Sable raised his small hand shyly. "Like when I share my crayons even if they don't share back?"
Alina nodded warmly. "Exactly, Sable. You still do what's right because that's your heart, not theirs."
The babies seemed to think about that seriously, even Boo, who crossed his arms and mumbled, "Fine, I'll respect Professor Egg next time. But only a little."
Alina laughed softly, feeling proud of them all. "That's all I ask, Boo. Just a little kindness can change everything."
She straightened her back and clapped her hands lightly, her tone turning cheerful again. "Alright, everyone, back to work! Let's resume writing," she said with a bright smile. "And once you finish, you'll get your cookies later, okay?"
