How I met a Knight

Today, during my workout routine, on the sports ground, I met a knight with a foam rubber sword and a foil shield. He came up to me, started a conversation, and quickly offered to be friends. He told me about the history and origin of his sword, explained what a garda is, and said that he did not like to sleep at lunchtime in his kindergarten. “way back I also didn’t like to sleep at lunchtime,” — I said. But they forced us, apparently, so that the teachers could take a break because it’s hard to look after the children all the time.” I looked at him and saw that he was processing what I said. And he agreed: “Yes,” he said. Because we can fight! I almost beat some new boys in kindergarten.” I asked “is that because they are newcomers or you didn’t like something about them?” He said: “They are stupid, they watch stupid children’s cartoons and read stupid children’s stories.” “Arseny, leave the woman alone” — the father, who was doing his workout nearby, called to the knight. I assured him: «He isn’t bothering me, everything is fine”. I went to do a new group of exercises and the knight followed me, politely asking where he should sit down in order to continue the conversation. Dad, of course, could not resist listening to how the child started spilling “family secrets” and said: “that’s it, let’s go!” Arseny stood up and, almost like an adult, seriously asked: “What is your name?” “Natasha — I answered.”And you Arseny, as far as I understand? “ He nodded in response seriously and added: “I hope that I will see you again. “I will be glad to meet you Arseny! Have a nice day!”

I’ve noticed that in the last few years, in the summertime, 5–6 year-old boys have started showing an undisguised interest in me, sometimes even flirting with me, and closer to autumn one of them usually approaches, introduces himself, and somehow makes it clear that he is a knight.