Amahle sat on a wooden bench by herself. She heard children laughing, but she could not catch the words.
Three children walked over. The girl with the bag offered a jelly sweet. The boy pointed to his pale arms. The girl with thick glasses adjusted them and asked, Want to play a game?
Amahle took the sweet and smiled. Qara explained the game, and the others nodded.
Jabu did a wiggly dance to show he was it. Amahle tried waving her arms and giggled.
The game sped up, but Eden suddenly stopped and patted her bag. Amahle held the bag while Eden pressed a button. Qara shouted, I see someone behind the slide!
Amahle saw Jabu's eyes widen. She pointed quickly and they all ran.
They found the hidden child behind the slide. Amahle stood straight, chin up, and beamed.
Each used their special gift. Jabu listened for rustling leaves. Qara called distances. Eden shared sweets. Amahle waved her bright scarf.
Amahle laughed as they ran together. The school bell rang in the distance.
They walked home hand in hand. The cool evening air brushed their faces. Tomorrow they would play again.