Hideyoshi PoV
I watched as little Alabaster played with his toy rings. He gooed and dropped one, watching with glee as it landed on top of the other on the toy pole.
"That's two," I whispered, smiling.
He turned and crawled over to grab the third one. There were three left, each one a different size. He seemed to have figured out that the trick was to place them based on size, with the biggest one going first, followed by the next closest size. I marveled at how intently he focused on the task, his little brow furrowing in concentration as he grasped the next ring.
"Come on, buddy, you can do it," I encouraged softly, resisting the urge to reach out and help him. I wanted him to figure it out on his own, to experience that small triumph that comes with learning.
