AriYah and the Workshop of Wonders
by
Ahgaddes Haynes
A story about AriYah is autistic and enjoys building creations from random objects and toys one toy in particular tries to discourage AriYah from building his creations
for your 3rd Grader.
AriYah perched in his favorite corner of the attic, sorting through boxes of colorful buttons. He often felt most at peace here, where he could let his mind roam freely. Light poured in through the tiny window, reflecting off the dust motes dancing in the air. He was determined to turn these random trinkets into something extraordinary.
Charlotte curled her fluffy tail around her paws and stared at the cluttered attic with curious green eyes. She meowed softly whenever a curious noise echoed among the boxes. Stretching lazily, she leaped onto a high shelf, always ready to explore new hiding spots. Yet, she stayed watchful, hoping everything in the attic would remain safe.
In a far corner of the attic sat a lumpy stuffed figure stitched together with mismatched fabric. Russett Potato Man had two squinty button eyes and a long, crooked seam running down his back. A strange energy seemed to swirl around him, as if he were waiting for the perfect moment to stir. His greyish-brown body looked unremarkable, yet a dark grin hinted at mischief.
AriYah pieced together old toy car wheels and bent wire, forming the base of a small, rolling contraption. Although sounds sometimes overwhelmed him, he found calm when he focused on his projects. He imagined the wheels whirring across the attic floor, carrying a bright lantern on top. Each creation felt like a puzzle that made his heart sing.
Charlotte pricked her ears when she heard a soft thump nearby. She tiptoed across the attic floor, her whiskers twitching in the musty air. With a gentle paw, she nudged a fallen set of puzzle pieces, noticing they were not in their usual place. Something felt out of order, and she sensed a change in the attic’s peaceful rhythm.
A small music box gleamed under the slanted sunlight, its gold paint peeling at the edges. When its tiny crank was turned, a tinkling melody drifted through the dusty air. Carved flowers decorated the lid, each petal carefully etched with swirling patterns. The music box seemed to hold hidden stories from long ago.
AriYah noticed scattered pieces of his half-built inventions, as if someone had thrown them apart. His heart pounded, and he carefully examined the broken wheels and twisted wires. Determined to rebuild, he started collecting each fallen piece, refusing to let discouragement stop him. In his mind, every setback held a new possibility.
Charlotte padded over to the scattered remains of the contraptions, gently nudging each piece as if offering encouragement. Her gray fur shimmered in the dusty light, and she let out a short meow, echoing through the attic’s rafters. She quivered with concern at the sight of broken bits. Still, she knew that with patience, everything could be fixed.