What are toys for?

While accompanying his mother as she went shopping, Julio was walking and talking nonstop. He was talking about school, his toys and what he would do later when they returned home.

- Mom, I want to play with my new little truck. I will take it to the backyard and fill it with dirt.

- Well, do that, honey. Also invite your friend Zeze. He'll be pleased! - she suggested.

The boy thought about it and replied:

- I rather not invite him, Mom. When he picks up a toy, he does not let go anymore!

- But he's your friend, Julio!

- Zeze is not careful with my toys, Mom. I rather play alone.

The mother was surprised with her son's words, but accepted:

- All right, honey. If that is what you want...

- It is, Mom. I prefer to play alone.

	Upon returning home from shopping, Julio went playing in the backyard. His mother was surprised that her son wanted to play alone. After all, what fun is playing without friends? But he wanted it like that so she said nothing. The next day, the same thing happened. Julio wanted
to play alone. And on the following days as well. That behaviour began to bother his mother, who was used to seeing her son always among his classmates or neighbours.

After a week, the mother noticed that the child was sad and discouraged, and asked:

- Did something happen, Julio? You are not yourself lately, you look sad and upset...

The boy, who was by the living room window looking at the street, said:

- No one wants to play with me, Mom!...

The mother looked at the group of boys who played in the square, running after the ball, and recalled:

- Julio, but it was you who wanted so... Do you remember you did not want anyone messing with your toys?

- Oh, Mom, it's true. Because not only they would get my toys dirty, they could also break them!

The kind mother's eyes widened, as she was surprised:

- Julio! But what are toys for if not to play? Look how happy they are! Go play ball with them, honey.

The boy, who was dying to go play, went to the square and asked:

- May I play too?

- Of course, Julio! The other team is missing a player! Join their side!

The team that had one player less received him joyfully. It was the team of his friend Zeze, who shouted:

- That's right, Julio! Come quick!... Now we're going to win, guys!

Happy, he looked at his mother and ran to the position where he would play. Then the ball was passed to him and he kicked it to the player closest to the goal, then ran forward and as the ball came back to him, he gave it a nice kick and saw the ball go in, then shouted:

- Goaaaaaal!...

Everyone ran to embrace Julio as he had helped to tie the game.

Excited, he gave the most of himself. He scored another goal and was very happy! When the game ended, the team took him on their shoulders to celebrate. Julio changed the outcome of the game and his friends were happy.

Then, looking at the dirty ball, he said:

- Look at this ball! All dirty with mud!

- Nonsense! It is easy to solve it. Just wash it! - Zeze said, shrugging.

Then Zeze went to a tap in the square and washed the ball, which looked as new again, showing it to Julio:

- Do you see? Balls and toys were made to be played with! Otherwise, they are no fun!

Julio smiled satisfied:

- It's true! You're absolutely right, Zeze!

Then Julio invited his friends to come to his house. As they had no school that day, they accepted. Julio went into the house with them and, hearing the noise, his mother came from the kitchen as she wiped her hands, and he said:

- Mom, we won the game! I invited my friends to play here at home! Isn't it true that I have a lot of brand new toys? After all, what are toys for if not to play with, right?

Julio exchanged a look with his mother and smiled all satisfied. He was happy!

Also happy to see her child joyful, the mother said:

- Play at will. Meanwhile, I'll make some popcorn. I've got a cake and soon we will have a very tasty snack for you to celebrate! 

MEIMEI 

(Psychographed by Celia X. de Camargo on 06/04/2015.)