Leo leaps into the air, sneakers slapping on the grass. He lands with a bounce and claps his hands to the rhythm of chirping birds above.
Ben runs up, his messy hair bouncing, and joins Leo in a spinning circle. They spin faster and laugh until their sides hurt.
Leo tries to jump over a sleeping cat, but his foot catches on a tree root. He tumbles into a pile of crunchy autumn leaves.
Leo shakes the leaves from his hair and stands up. The cat now sports a leaf hat, blinking slowly, unbothered.
Leo and Ben sit side by side on the grass. Their breathing slows, matching the rustling leaves. They share a quiet smile.
The sun shines bright as the boys breathe in the sweet smell of the leaves. 'What a fun day!' Leo thinks.
Ben stands up, suddenly filled with energy. 'Let’s race to the big tree!' he shouts.
They dash off together, laughing as the leaves crunch under their feet. The world whirls with color around them.