Kenji and Ren skip across the sunny sidewalk. Their sneakers bounce in time. The world feels bright and easy.
A tiny 'mew' drifts from the park bushes. Kenji and Ren freeze. They creep forward on their tiptoes.
They peel back the branches. The orange kitten is wedged deep inside. It bats at Kenji's sleeve.
Kenji dangles a twig like a wand. The kitten's paw reaches out and swipes at it.
Ren offers his water bottle cap like a boat. The kitten peers at it but stays back.
A butterfly with stained-glass wings lands on Ren's knee. It flutters toward the bush.
The kitten leaps straight out! It lands with a soft puff right between their hands.
Kenji and Ren cradle the kitten together. It purrs and kneads its little paws into their hands.
They march home, steps perfectly in sync. The kitten purrs between their hands.
The evening sun paints the sidewalk gold. Kenji and Ren carry their new friend home.
