Hazel peeked over the fence. A girl with messy pigtails dragged a suitcase down the sidewalk. Wheels clattered. Hazel ducked behind her hydrangea.
'Hello?' the girl whispered toward the fence. Hazel's hand twitched to wave. But she stayed hidden.
The next morning, Hazel taped a drawing to the new girl's gate. Two girls flying kites. The paper flapped in the breeze.
The new girl opened the gate. She picked up the drawing and laughed aloud. 'Thank you!' Hazel smiled behind the fence.
At the park, Mia and Leo tugged a blue tricycle. 'It's mine!' 'No, I was here first!' Hazel watched from the swing set.
Hazel marched over. 'That tricycle isn't a bike — it's a rocket ship! Rockets need two pilots!' The tugging stopped.
Leo's eyes went wide. 'P-pilots?' Mia grabbed a stick and pointed it forward. 'Engines ready!' The three zoomed in a wobbly circle.
'You're really brave,' the new girl said. Hazel shrunk into her collar, then puffed out her chest just a little. They walked home together.
They shared stories about their favorite animals. The sun dipped low, painting the sidewalk gold. Hazel's house looked cozier than ever.
Hazel stood on her porch and watched the new girl's house. Tomorrow, she thought, she would wave first.