Shorts

9. Taking a step back

George was a typical ten-year-old boy with a love for soccer and a knack for getting on his little sister's nerves. His sister, Lily, was seven, and she adored ballet. She had been practicing her pliés and pirouettes ever since she was old enough to stand on her tiptoes. Despite her dedication, what Lily truly wanted was to play soccer like her big brother.

One afternoon, after George had returned from soccer practice, he found Lily in the living room, twirling around in her ballet tutu.

"Hey, twinkle toes!" George teased, grinning widely. "Why don't you leave the real sports to the boys and stick to your dancing?"

Lily stopped mid-twirl, her eyes filling with tears. "But, George, I want to play soccer too. It's not fair that only boys get to play."

George just laughed, shaking his head. "Soccer's not for girls, Lily. You're better off doing your plies and stuff."

Their mother, who had overheard the conversation from the kitchen, walked in with a stern look on her face. "George, that's enough. Soccer is not just for boys, and ballet is not just for girls. Everyone should be able to do what they love."

George rolled his eyes. "But, Mom, it's just the way it is."

"Well, not in this house," his mother replied firmly. "Since you think it's so funny to tease your sister, I've got a special plan for you."

George's eyes widened with curiosity and a hint of fear. "What do you mean?"

"Starting tomorrow, you will be taking Lily's place in her ballet class, and she will take your place on the soccer team."

George's jaw dropped. "What? No way!"

"Yes way," his mother said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And to make sure you learn a lesson, you'll be wearing Lily's clothes to ballet class."

The next day, George stood in his sister's bedroom, staring at the frilly pink dress laid out on the bed. Lily watched him with a mix of sympathy and satisfaction.

"Come on, George," she said softly. "It won't be that bad."

"Easy for you to say," he muttered, reluctantly putting on the dress over the frilly panties that matched. He felt ridiculous, and the thought of wearing a pink leotard and tutu at ballet practice made his stomach churn.

When they arrived at the ballet studio, George hoped desperately that no one he knew would see him. Unfortunately, his worst fears were realized when he spotted his classmate, Tommy, walking by with his mother.

"Hey, isn't that George?" Tommy asked, squinting to get a better look.

George quickly turned away, his face burning with embarrassment. "Let's just get this over with," he whispered to his mom.

Inside the studio, the other girls giggled and whispered when they saw George in his pink leotard and tutu. His ballet teacher, Miss Clara, gave him an encouraging smile. "Welcome to the class, George. We're happy to have you."

George mumbled a thank you, feeling utterly humiliated. As the class went on, he stumbled through the moves, feeling clumsy and out of place. Meanwhile, Lily was having the time of her life at soccer practice, running around with the boys and scoring goals.

After what felt like an eternity, ballet class finally ended. George rushed out of the studio, eager to shed the tutu and leotard.

"Mom, can we please switch back now?" George pleaded as they reached the car.

His mother shook her head. "No, George. You need to understand how it feels to be in someone else's shoes. You'll continue with ballet and Lily will continue with soccer until you truly understand."