10-year-old Jenny sighed as she stared out into the window of her classroom, watching as the 4th graders played on the playground, knowing she would have to soon go out after them and she was dreading it.
"Ahem! Jennika, are you paying attention?!" A voice scolded and Jenny quickly turned her attention back at her teacher, Professor Honeycutt aka Fugitoid. Though he was a scientist that worked for the Utrom, he was also a teacher that taught bright and gifted children, Jenny being one of them since her father is Hamato Donatello, the greatest scientist Earth has ever known.
"Sorry, Professor, but I have a question," Jenny asked and Fugitoid beamed. "Well then ask a way, my dear!"
"Do I have to go to recess today?" Jenny asked and Fugitoid's eyes dimmed in confusion. "Why do you ask?" Jenny shrugged. "I just don't get the point. This is school. Aren't we here just to learn?"
"Ahh but Jenny, my dear, though our brains do crave for knowledge, it also craves for other things such as physical activity and sometimes, our brains just need a break from learning, meaning that recess as well as gym class is necessary to keep your brain strong."
"Even for us?" Jenny asked, gesturing to the other gifted students in the classroom. "Even for you," Fugitoid nodded. "I know you as well as everyone else in here is very gifted but as I said before, our brains require a break or else you might just pull a muscle," He stopped to chuckle at his own joke which none of the students joined in. "Physical activity is also not to just improve your learning skills. It can improve memory, reduce risk of cognitive decline, improve mood, help with sleep, increased brain plasticity..."
All the students blinked at their professor boredly as he continued to list things physical activity can do for your brain and he did not stop until the bell finally rang, "Ah! That is the bell! I hope you all have fun at recess and I will see you after!" He then narrowed his eyes as he added warningly, "And do not even think about skipping class! I have scanned all of you and I know that all of you are present so 20 students better return here after recess or else I'm calling parents!"
Some of the students groaned as they all left to run outside but Jenny was hesitant to join. She got up slowly and slowly walked to the door but stopped when another thought came to mind, "You know, I have training after school anyway, so my brain will be doing physical activity then. Can't I just stay and read quietly, I promise I won't get in your way."
Fugitoid began to look concerned as he put a hand on the young girl's shoulder. "Jennika, is there another reason why you do not want to join the others for recess? I know you do not care for it but you have never been so insistent on staying inside before." Jenny shook her head. "No. I just...really like to learn."
She could not tell if Fugitoid bought her lie but the small chuckle he let out made her think that perhaps he did. "Just like your father but unfortunately Jennika, as much as I love your company, there is much work that I must get done before you all return from recess and I can not work and watch you at the same time. I am sure you would not get in my way but even so, I require 100% focus."
Jennika sighed, disappointedly but nodded in understanding. She then left class without a word, leaving Fugitoid alone, feeling even more concerned.
...
At Recess,
Jennika did not join the other children as they ran around, playing with their friends instead she sat on the swing seat and read her book. It is not that Jennika hated recess, per se, she doesn't care for it and would rather spend her time reading but that is not the reason she hated coming out here. It is just...she had no one to play with. She has tried in the past but none of the mutant or alien children wanted to be her friend.
