Pippa threw her red ball as hard as she could. It bounced into the street.
It hit a fire hydrant — BANG — and bounced right back. A car slowed down. The driver waved.
Pippa froze. Her eyes went wide. She stomped her foot.
Pippa ran home and burst through the front door. She marched to her bedroom and hid behind the crib.
A bird chirped. The house felt too loud.
Pippa peeked around the kitchen corner. Mama was stirring a bowl of oatmeal.
Pippa crossed her arms and let out a long, rumbling growl. Mama didn't look up. She just kept stirring.
Pippa marched into the living room and hid behind the sofa. Only her toes showed.
Mama set the bowl down and walked over. She sat on the floor and opened her arms.
Pippa hesitated. Then she scrambled out and threw herself into Mama's lap.
Pippa buried her face in Mama's sweater and squeezed tight. Mama hummed one steady note and rubbed her back.
Pippa took a deep breath and whispered, "I love you, Mama." Mama kissed the top of her head. They stayed like that until the bird stopped chirping.