Sunlight filled the neighborhood. Across the street, a new family’s porch held a quiet boy sitting alone.
Ayesha pulled a tray of golden cookies from the oven. Their sweet smell curled through the kitchen like a ribbon.
She counted twice. “One, two, three… plenty for everyone!” Then she glanced toward the boy across the street.
Ayesha placed the extra cookies on a plate and wrapped it in a checkered cloth. She marched outside with her chin lifted.
At the porch, her hand hovered. It trembled just a little. Then she knocked—knock, knock, knock!
The boy opened the door slowly. He pointed past her. A blue balloon squeaked in the oak tree.
Ayesha climbed the low fence and tugged the balloon free. Zip! It slipped away and floated into the neighbor’s yard.
Pop! The balloon landed beside a tiny dog. Its tail wagged furiously, and the boy burst into loud, happy laughter.
The boy grabbed Ayesha’s hand. “Come inside!” he said, pulling her toward the kitchen.
They sat at the little kitchen table, knees bumping. The plate passed back and forth between them.
The tiny dog snored in a sunbeam. The blue balloon bobbed gently against the window.
“You can come over tomorrow,” said the boy. Ayesha smiled. She knew she would.
