Aadi zipped down the street, feet slapping the warm road. Boom, boom, boom — deep drums vibrated through the pavement. "Race you!" he called over his shoulder. Rocket bounded at his heels, collar tags jingling.
At the corner, a string of tricolor flags stretched across the street, fluttering overhead. Rocket darted under them, barking at a red flag that flapped like a tail. Aadi laughed and tugged the leash gently.
Rocket suddenly froze, ears perked, nose twitching. Between the leaves of a clay flowerpot near a gate, a tiny saffron kite was stuck. Aadi crouched and plucked it free.
Aadi tried to wave the tiny kite over Rocket's head, but it tangled around the dog's ears instead. Rocket spun in confused circles, tail wagging nervously.
They reached the school gate just as the assembly began. Rows of children marched toward the tall flagpole. Aadi's class fell in right behind the teacher.
Aadi slipped into line, heart full of pride. At the edge of the courtyard, Rocket settled down, proud tail thumping once, twice, three times against the ground.
They marched together beneath the tricolor flag, Aadi's small feet keeping time with the drums. Boom, boom, boom — the sound rolled across the courtyard.
Rocket watched from the sideline, ears perked and tail still. His collar tags caught the morning sun and sparkled like little stars.
