Ms. Josie buttoned her coat and lifted two paper bags. They rattled softly.
Marcel grabbed Aleksandra's hand. They bounced on their toes. The bags went rattle-rattle!
"To the park!" Ms. Josie said. The street door swung open.
They skipped past brick houses and leafy trees. One, two, three red doors!
Marcel tripped over a crack. He giggled and grabbed her hand again.
The path opened wide. The park filled with flowers — purple, yellow, and pink.
Aleksandra stopped. A pale blue butterfly sat on a purple flower, wings folded tight.
She held out her hand. The butterfly fluttered — once, twice — and landed on her finger.
Aleksandra didn't move. Marcel pressed close, their shoulders touching.
Ms. Josie sat on the bench and hummed. The butterfly stayed, warm and quiet, while the flowers swayed.