Tommy walked into the sunny park with his ball. The swings squeaked. Children raced past.
He held the ball tight and looked around. He did not say hello.
Tommy sat on the edge of the slide ladder. Then he saw another child by the monkey bars, tapping one foot and watching everyone else.
A crow cawed from the fence. Tommy took a breath and lifted one hand. "Want to play?"
Tommy rolled his ball over. The other child kicked it back. Then back again.
Bonk! The ball hit a trash can with a loud CLANG and popped away under a bench.
Tommy froze for one tiny moment. Then the other child dropped to the grass and peeked under the bench.
A fluffy pigeon waddled out as if it had stolen the ball. Both children burst out laughing.
They raced after the ball. They bounced it, chased it, and made up a silly game.
Every miss needed a funny dance before the next turn.
Tommy laughed so hard he had to stop and clap. The leaves fluttered overhead. "Again!" he called.
When it was time to go, Tommy waved at the park gate. The other child waved back. "See you tomorrow!"
Tommy walked home under the bright sky, dust on his shoes and a grin on his face.
He practiced a cheerful "Hello!" for next time.
