She listened and reminded him that physical education wasn’t only about competition. It was about movement, confidence, and finding what felt right. Instead of ordering him back into the game, she offered choices: helping keep score, walking the field, or joining in when he felt ready.

Over the following weeks, he began helping set up equipment and occasionally joining the games. The field slowly became less intimidating. By term’s end, he smiled more—and she was reminded that being seen can change everything.