One of my twins (5 years old), Alex, has a habit, he likes to eat apples two at a time. One in each hand. He alternates bites, back and forth, like it is a coordinated performance. But I discourage it, because sometimes he does not finish them. Wasteful habit.

This morning, I handed out apples. One for Henry, one for Alex. A minute later, I sit down, glance back, and there’s Alex, desperately trying to take Henry’s apple. Henry, completely unbothered, just smiles and resists. He’s lying on his back, using his feet to push Alex away, like they are doing slow-motion Brazilian jiu-jitsu. No anger, no panic, just calm resistance.

But Alex is getting frustrated. I can see the moment coming, teeth and nails if I do not step in. So I get up, separate them, scoop Alex into my lap, help him regulate his emotions. I ask what’s going on, though I already know. He wants two apples. Not one. Two. He insists:

“I need two!”

I laugh. Hold him gently. He’s stormy, but softens quickly when held.

Then, without drama, Henry finishes his apple, all the way to the core, and hands it to Alex. And Alex beams. He now has two apples. One fresh, one gnawed to the center. That’s all he needed.

It’s funny, he does this often. Two apples. Or an apple and a banana. Or two bananas. Always food in each hand. Like symmetry makes it taste better.