Franco kicked the bright orange ball toward the green bench. It smacked into the metal fence with a loud clang. He grimaced at the dent in the paint. The ball bounced back to his feet, waiting for a second chance.
He tried to weave through the park’s winding path, dribbling fast past a swinging monkey bar. A sudden gust of wind snatched the ball from his foot. It rolled under a low bush, hiding in the shadows.
The ball rolled under a low bush. Franco dropped to his knees, brushing dirt off his legs. He peered into the dark leaves, squinting against the glare. The ball was gone, hidden deep within the thorny brambles.
He reached deep into the thorny brambles, ignoring the scratch on his arm. His fingers closed around the leather surface. He pulled the ball free, revealing a small, confused squirrel sitting right where the netting used to be.
Franco froze, holding the ball tight while the squirrel chattered loudly. He carefully placed the ball down and backed away slowly. He offered a shiny blue marble from his pocket. The squirrel sniffed the marble, grabbed it with tiny paws, and scampers up the tree trunk.
The squirrel snatched the marble and scrambled up the bark. Franco exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from his forehead. The sun warmed his neck as the park settled back into quiet. He picked up the ball, ready to try again.
He picked up the ball and found two friends waving from the open field near the fountain. Franco ran toward them, kicking the ball gently before they arrived. Cool air rushed past his ears as he moved faster.
They cheered as he passed, ready to start the game together. Franco smiled, feeling the cool air rush past his ears. The ball bounced steadily under his control. They were ready to play.