The bubbles: the space where the child closes himself in

Solomon J. enters a bubble when fear interrupts his journey towards Pepilandia. The space is milky and swirling: seeing and moving on become difficult, and his attention gathers on what is happening within him.

Inside, he draws on what is already his: beautiful thoughts, Madre's advice and his capacity to act. Words and experiences received earlier become useful just when things get hard.

The second bubble encloses him with Layla. Her presence, their warmth and their shared memories change what it feels like to be inside.

In the first bubble the child manages fear with his own strength; in the second, a trusted relationship supports him. Together they show how the company available changes what a child can bear and do.

At school, Solomon J. falls silent, refuses activities and retreats beneath his desk. The bubbles offer an image for the wish to shut out an overwhelming situation.

A child's silence may have several causes and deserves careful observation. Adults can attend to the circumstances, offer manageable choices and remain available while the child finds words or another way to communicate.

The practical question concerns the conditions for taking part again: whose presence helps, what pace is manageable and what makes the surrounding space feel safe enough to enter again.