Leo chased his red ball past the garden hose. It bumped right against the old oak tree.
He bent to pick it up — and saw a slender door of silver light humming like a bee. He pushed the handle; it swung open to a sparkling forest.
Tiny fairies fluttered around a withered flower patch. A sleek dragon curled nearby. Then they all froze — the shadow was coming.
Leo marched forward and waved his arms. The shadow grew bigger. The fairies dove behind mushrooms. The dragon rumbled.
A wise old badger tapped his shoe. 'Bravery isn't roaring,' it murmured. 'It's offering what you have.'
Leo unclasped his satchel and poured out his lucky penny and half a granola bar. He placed them gently on the dark ground. The shadow hesitated, then recoiled.
Leo stepped into the shadow and opened his arms. 'Go away,' he whispered. Then, 'Please?'
The ticklish cold made him giggle. He pulled a dandelion from his pocket and blew — seeds popped like fireworks, shattering the darkness.
The forest glowed again. The fairies cheered and dusted a tiny star onto his satchel strap. Leo waved goodbye.
He stepped back through the silver door. His red ball was still there. That night, the star glowed softly on his bedside table.
