The bright yellow frisbee sailed across the sunny park. With a loud slap, Mia caught it right out of the air. They high-fived, their sneakers squeaking on the green grass as they cheered. From that afternoon on, they played together every single day.
Winter melted into spring, bringing warm sunshine back to the schoolyard. Sitting alone on a wooden bench, Leo wanted to give his best friend a special gift. He carefully folded a piece of thick red paper into a tiny pocket-sized heart. He held it tightly behind his back, waiting for the perfect moment.
Leo stepped toward the tall metal monkey bars where Mia was playing. He held out the red paper, ready to show her. Whoosh! A whistling gust of wind snatched the heart right out of his fingers! The red shape spiraled up into the breezy air, flying farther away.
He chased the flying red paper, diving headfirst into a rustling, leafy bush! He popped out the other side with twigs caught in his hair and a funny, muddy leaf stuck right to his nose. The wind finally stopped, dropping the little paper heart squarely at Mia's feet.
Slowly, Leo bent down and picked up the crumpled, muddy piece of paper. He looked down at his scuffed shoes, taking a quietly deep breath. Holding it out, he looked right at her and said, "I made this for you." The noisy playground seemed very quiet.
Mia carefully smoothed out the crinkled paper, staring closely at the little red shape. A bright, wide smile spread across her face. She reached softly for Leo's hand, her fingers wrapping nicely around his. Together, they walked away from the schoolyard, heading down the sunny sidewalk side by side.