Sunlight spilled across the quiet neighborhood. Rahul crept to the front door, a silly monster mask in hand.
He hopped out yelling Boo! Mrs. next door dropped her groceries. An apple rolled across the pavement. Rahul giggled behind the mask holes.
Rahul tiptoed behind the mailbox. The dog barked. Mr. Chen jumped and spilled his coffee. Rahul laughed, kicking at a smooth pebble.
Rahul hid behind the big oak tree. He leaped out! His sister dropped her drawing. Crayons scattered everywhere. She stared at the ground.
Rahul's grin faded. He thought — that wasn't funny.
Thump, thump, thump came from the roof. Rahul peeked out the window. His dad wore a floppy bunny costume!
Boo! said Dad. Then his mom and sister popped out wearing funny hats. The balloon popped. Everyone laughed.
Rahul's shoulders shook with giggles. The silly hat made his sister snort-laugh. Even Dad's bunny ears wiggled with laughter.
Later, Rahul found his sister drawing at the table. He took off his monster mask and set it beside her.
Want to draw a monster friend? he asked. She smiled and handed him a blue crayon. They drew together all afternoon.