Mia raced into the sunny park with her favorite red balloon. Then she stopped beneath the treehouse.
A new kid sat alone under the treehouse. The swings squeaked while Mia watched quietly.
Mia started toward the flower garden. Then she turned around and looked back.
Mia pushed the red balloon forward. “Want to play?” she whispered. A bee buzzed past, and Mia jumped.
The new kid reached for the string. Soon, they tugged the balloon gently between them.
Whoosh! The balloon slipped free, bounced off the treehouse, and zoomed toward the swings. The new kid chased it.
Mia caught the balloon before it reached the branches. She handed it to the new kid.
Together, they raced beneath the flowers. Petals fluttered behind their feet.
They took turns on the swings. “Higher!” called the new kid.
At last, they climbed into the cozy treehouse. Afternoon sunshine warmed the wooden steps.
Side by side, they held the red balloon between them. It bumped the roof with a soft bonk.
“Come back tomorrow!” Mia said. Bonk! The balloon bumped them both, and they giggled.