The Simple Pleasures

 He holds his hand up, fingers curled towards him like a little cup and slowly raises his index finger like a shoot straightening to the sun, then lowers it down just as carefully. The other fingers follow along and his eyes take that in as well as the up and down movement. Over and over, he watches his own body respond to his own will. No stargazer is any more intrigued than this six-month old discovering his world.

The little sweet rice puffs are there for the taking. Both hands curled down attack the table, all the fingers on each hand contract quickly to try to grasp the small puff. He can't yet use just the thumb and index finger, so the puff ends up in the middle of his palm. It sticks and is hidden from sight, but he seems to know it's there, but not how to turn his hand to look for it. Fist to mouth, but no treat.

He tries again. And again. And again. Daintily, purposefully, but to no avail.

Finally, his grandmother has pity and picks up a piece, holding it close to his fist, which is still repeating the fruitless movements. He knows this is different; he can see the rice puff, so instead of bringing the fist up to his mouth, he dives headfirst and "chomps" on his fist, victory at last.

Here he is with his aunt, reaching for popcorn.