Behind the backyard fence, Mittens stretched one paw toward the wide neighborhood. The garden path glittered beyond the boards.
A brave little sparrow swooped down and dropped a bright yellow petal beside Mittens. “What’s out there?” Mittens whispered.
The brave little sparrow hopped through a gap beneath the fence. “Follow me!” it called.
Mittens crept after the sparrow. CHUFF! The lawn sprinkler burst on, and Mittens jumped backward into a flowerpot.
Mittens tried again and followed the brave little sparrow into the garden. A ladybug tickled Mittens’s nose.
Achoo! Mittens sneezed so hard that three dry leaves flew up like tiny umbrellas. The brave little sparrow flapped toward the park.
A sudden gust lifted the yellow petal away. Mittens raced after it and pounced into a pile of crunchy leaves.
The brave little sparrow landed on Mittens’s head. Mittens held the yellow petal carefully and blinked through the leaves.
Mittens carried the yellow petal home beside the brave little sparrow. Together, they crossed the garden path.
The fence no longer blocked the way. Swings squeaked, leaves rustled, and Mittens and the brave little sparrow trotted toward another surprise.