The Game Went On Without Me

Theme: Withdrawal from joy
Symbol: Game piece
Use Case: For children who distance from once-loved play due to emotional overwhelm
CASEL Alignment: Social awareness

The game didn’t end - but it wasn’t entered. This story honors the child who used to enjoy, used to belong, and now watches instead. It offers non-reentry without shame.
Art Prompt: Draw a game you used to like - and the piece that stayed behind.