It was a bright morning, and Arin was playing in the yard when he noticed a moving van pulling up next door. Curious, he ran closer, his small legs carrying him with ease thanks to Movement Mastery and Agility.
Soon, a cheerful woman stepped out, waving at Arin. Behind her, a young man carried a small box, and a little girl peeked shyly from behind her mother's legs.
"Hello!" the woman called. "We just moved in next door. I'm Elara, and this is my husband, Kieran. And this little one…" She bent down and smiled warmly at Arin.
Arin's parents came out as well, smiling and waving. "Welcome to the neighborhood," his mother, Mira, said. "I'm Mira, and this is my husband, Rohan. This is our son, Arin. We're glad to meet you."[1]
Elara laughed softly. "It's nice to meet you too. We hope our families can become good friends."
The adults exchanged pleasantries, discussing the neighborhood, nearby shops, and the small park they often visited. Arin, meanwhile, couldn't take his eyes off the little girl. She was around his age, just like him—3 years old.
"Arin," Rohan said gently, "why don't you go meet the new neighbor?"
Arin stepped forward shyly. Elara bent down to his level. "This is Lyra," she said, motioning to the little girl hiding behind her. "Lyra, this is Arin."
Lyra peeked out, her large curious eyes meeting Arin's. She tilted her head and smiled shyly. "Hello," she said softly. Her voice was small but clear, and Arin noticed immediately how healthy and energetic she looked.
Arin smiled back. "Hello… I'm Arin," he said, trying to sound confident.
Elara watched the two children carefully, smiling. "Lyra, why don't you show Arin how old you are?" she suggested.
Lyra took a deep breath and held up her tiny hands, counting on her fingers. "Three!" she said proudly.
Arin's eyes widened. "Me too! I'm three," he said, delighted to meet someone his age.
Elara laughed softly. "You two are the same age. Lyra is very healthy, just like you." She glanced at Arin. "I think you two will be good friends."
Lyra's shyness slowly melted away, and she reached out her small hand. "Do you want to play?" she asked.
Arin grinned. "Yes! Let me show you my toys," he said, leading her toward his small sandbox and blocks.
As they played, Arin's Super Senses subtly activated, letting him notice Lyra's movements, gestures, and reactions. He realized she was just as curious and observant as he was. Even at this young age, her awareness of her surroundings was impressive.
Elara and Rohan continued talking with Mira, smiling and laughing, occasionally glancing at the children playing together. Laughter and tiny footsteps filled the yard, signaling the start of a new friendship.
Arin felt a strange warmth in his chest. Having a friend his own age was exciting. Not only could he share his toys and games, but he could also practice communication, understanding, and observation with someone who could match him in curiosity and energy.
By the end of the morning, Arin and Lyra were running around, playing tag and laughing. Their small voices echoed across the yard, and for the first time in a long while, Arin felt a sense of companionship—a bond that would grow as he continued to train, learn, and explore the world.
Ding!
[Skill Proficiency Increased]
Enhanced Communication – Advanced (55%)
Movement Mastery – Advanced (78%)
As the families waved goodbye to each other for now, Arin held Lyra's hand briefly and smiled. This is the beginning of something new. With friends, learning can be fun—and life even brighter.
[1] “Just realized I still haven’t given names to Arin’s parents — that’s something I definitely need to add to make the family feel more complete and alive in the story.”