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Jabari walks into the sports club on a Tuesday morning. He is wearing his gym bag on his shoulder. He smiles at the woman behind the desk. Her name is Fatima. Fatima is talking to two other men. Their names are Leo and Riku. Jabari does not know Leo or Riku very well. He only sees them at the sports club. Leo says something and everybody laughs. Jabari does not hear the joke. He hears only the . He smiles because everyone else is smiling. He does not want to look strange. He walks to the desk and puts his bag down. Fatima looks at him and smiles again. Jabari feels a little but he says nothing. He thinks the joke is probably not important. Leo tells the joke again for Riku.
Jabari listens carefully this time. He hears all the words. But he still does not understand why it is funny. He looks at Leo. He looks at Riku. Both men are laughing again. Fatima is laughing too. Her face is red. Jabari smiles . He nods his head slowly. He tries to look like he understands. But inside, he feels very lost. He thinks, "Why is this funny?" He cannot find the answer. He does not want to ask. He feels a little . He laughs quietly and looks at the floor. After a moment, Jabari decides to be . He takes a small breath and looks at Leo.
He says, "Sorry, I don't understand the joke. Can you it to me?" Leo looks surprised. Then Leo smiles . He the joke slowly and clearly. Jabari listens with care. Suddenly, Jabari understands. He laughs for real this time. It is a big, warm laugh. Fatima claps her hands. Riku pats Jabari on the back. Everyone feels happy. Jabari feels happy too. He is not anymore. He picks up his gym bag. He says goodbye to his new friends. He walks to the changing room with a big smile on his face.
the front desk area of a building where visitors are welcomed
"Jabari stops at the reception to sign in before his gym session."
the sound people make when they find something funny
"Jabari hears laughter but does not know why everyone is laughing."
not able to understand something clearly
"Jabari feels confused because he does not understand the joke."
in a kind and respectful way
"Jabari smiles politely even though he does not understand."
feeling shy or uncomfortable because of a social situation
"Jabari feels embarrassed when he cannot understand the joke."
to make something clear so that another person can understand it
"Leo explains the joke slowly so Jabari can understand it."
telling the truth and not trying to hide your real feelings
"Jabari decides to be honest and asks Leo to explain the joke."
in a warm and caring way
"Leo smiles kindly and helps Jabari understand."
feel lost
to feel like you do not understand what is happening around you
"Jabari feels lost when everyone laughs and he does not know why."
nod your head
to move your head up and down to show you agree or understand
"Jabari nods his head slowly, but he does not really understand."
look strange
to appear unusual or out of place to other people
"Jabari smiles so he does not look strange in front of the group."
say nothing
to choose not to speak in a situation
"Jabari feels confused but he says nothing at first."
for real
genuinely, not pretending
"After Leo explains the joke, Jabari laughs for real."
pat someone on the back
to gently touch someone's back to show support or happiness
"Riku pats Jabari on the back when Jabari finally understands the joke."
take a breath
to breathe in before doing or saying something important
"Jabari takes a small breath before he asks Leo to explain."
with care
paying close attention to something
"Jabari listens with care when Leo explains the joke again."
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