The neighborhood park buzzed with energy. Kids lined up at the starting line, bouncing on their toes.
The flag dropped. Everyone sprinted forward. Ram froze when he heard a sniffle behind him.
Hanu had fallen. Tears made trails through the dust on his cheeks.
Ram sprinted back. Mylo caught up, panting.
Ram crouched beside Hanu. He pulled out a colorful bandage and carefully wrapped Hanu's knee. Mylo offered his shiny water bottle.
Hanu hopped onto one foot. The two friends braced him on either side.
They turned toward the finish line. A girl zoomed past. 'Hurry!' she called, waving her trophy.
Ram, Hanu, and Mylo crossed the finish line all at once. Arms slung over each other's shoulders.
The crowd erupted. Clapping, cheering, stomping feet. The announcer's voice boomed: 'And the winners are... all three of them!'
Ram held up three hands. One finger for each friend. He beamed.
The three friends walked off the track together, arms still linked, the crowd cheering behind them.
The park buzzed with happy noise. Ram grinned. It was the best race ever.
