Barney Rumble sits at the very edge of the town picnic, clutching a plate of brownies. The band strikes up a loud drum solo. Barney Rumble shrinks into a ball.
He thinks, 'Maybe I should hide.' He creeps toward the big oak tree at the park's center.
His tummy gurgles — RRRRROOOOM. Mayor Pumble stops mid‑speech. A baby points and giggles.
Barney Rumble marches to the far end of the park, squeezing his eyes shut. PFFFT — a sound like a squeaky door echoes across the grass. The town musicians all look over.
Barney Rumble's ears turn darker red. He presses both hands over his tummy and squeezes until his face scrunches up.
He holds and holds and holds — then his knees wobble and he can't stop it anymore.
PPPPPBBBBBRRRRRRT fills the whole square. Everyone freezes.
Then Mayor Pumble snorts. Then a dog barks. Then the whole town erupts in laughter — even Barney Rumble cracks a smile.
Barney Rumble walks back to the center of the park, shoulders high. He lets out one small toot. Everyone cheers.
Barney Rumble sits down and shares his brownies. 'Here,' he says, offering the plate.
The town eats together under the sunny sky.
Barney Rumble watches his new friends and feels perfectly happy.