Leo stopped at the chain-link fence. His sneakers dug into the mulch.
The plastic slide gleamed silver in the sun. It looked tall, steep, and scary.
He took a step forward, then stepped back. A squirrel chattered from a tree.
Leo whispered, 'Initiating launch sequence.' He shook off his shoes and stood tall.
He jumped onto the bottom rung and slid down with a whoosh.
Other kids pointed and shouted, 'Look at that astronaut!'
Leo climbed back up, his face bright with joy. The slide felt smooth and fast.
He slid down again, high-fiving each friend as he landed in the soft sand.
He ran to the swing set and pushed himself higher.
Flying toward the clouds, Leo felt like he was soaring.
The park buzzed with happy sounds. Leo sat on the bench, catching his breath.
Watching the sunset glow orange, his scuffed knees were dirty.
But his heart felt light and free. The day was perfect.
Leo closed his eyes, listening to the evening breeze.
The stars began to peek through the darkening sky.
Tomorrow, Leo would launch again.
