Mira grabbed the party-game mallet and whacked the button. CLANG! Colorful balls tumbled out as the cousins cheered.
Mira laughed and dove after the rolling balls. Red, blue, and yellow spheres bounced beneath tables and between squeaky shoes.
The cousins raced through the games. Mira tossed a beanbag, crawled through a tunnel, and shouted, “Again!”
A foam ball bonked Mira’s hat. She slipped onto the soft mat, then popped up grinning while the cousins clapped.
At the claw machine, Mira reached for a prize. The claw lifted a rubber chicken instead. SQUEAK!
The chicken flapped from the claw, and everyone howled. Soon, Mom’s birthday cake arrived, covered in candles and sprinkles.
After the party, Mira packed pajamas and blankets. The cousins followed her home for a sleepover.
They watched a silly movie in the living room. When a character slipped on a banana, Mira and the cousins burst into giggles.
The movie ended, and the laughter faded into whispers. Mira and the cousins curled together under tangled blankets while family voices murmured nearby.
The quiet house held soft giggles and sleepy whispers. Mira closed her eyes beneath the blankets as the happy sounds carried on.