Leo Santos zipped around the block in his red cape. "Save the day!" he shouted, leaping over every crack in the sidewalk.
He tried to climb the tall garden wall near Mrs. Kim's house — but slipped and landed in a pile of leaves with a soft crunch.
The next day, Leo tried again. He launched himself off the park bench, determined to reach the top of the big slide.
He missed the slide entirely and tumbled into the sandpit with a heavy thud. He lay there a moment, covered in sand.
Somewhere near the swing set, a dog whined. Leo crept toward the sound, his cape dragging behind him in the grass.
Beneath the wooden bench, a tiny golden puppy shivered. Its nose was wet and dark, and its eyes were wide with fear.
Leo opened his mouth to shush it — but then he burst out laughing. A loud, bubbling roar echoed down the street. The puppy's tail started thumping against the wood.
Leo scooped up the puppy and carried it back down the sidewalk. Every neighbor who saw him stopped to watch.
Mrs. Kim waved from her porch. Mr. Chen's terrier barked happily. A group of kids on bikes slowed to cheer as Leo walked by with his chin high.
Later, Leo sat on the park steps with the puppy curled up in his lap. No cape needed anymore.
A little girl tugged his sleeve and whispered, "You're a superhero now." Leo grinned and scratched the puppy's ears.
He pointed to his chest and said nothing. The puppy yawned, and Leo Santos just smiled.