Laufey and the change of plans

Laufey has been looking forward to the perfect picnic all week. The basket is packed, his picture map is ready, and he knows exactly what comes next: a walk to the river, lunch beneath the willow tree, and an afternoon drawing ducks with his dragon friend, Ember.

Then the rain begins-and the plan changes.

Laufey is autistic. He likes knowing what to expect, and a different plan feels hard when he has already imagined every part of the day. He is disappointed, his chest feels tight, and he isn...