Xam hides behind the big oak tree and watches the patrol cars zoom past.
He practices a superhero pose against the tree bark.
Xam tries to help Mrs. Gable carry her recycling bin, but the lid slams on his thumb.
He hops on one foot, rubbing his thumb, then peeks at the bin.
At the park, Xam sees a little girl drop her ice cream. He runs over with a paper towel.
She stares at the melted puddle, then at Xam's earnest face.
'Thank you,' she whispers, and wipes her sticky hands.
During the block party, a sudden gust of wind sends picnic tables scattering and flags flying into the oak tree.
Xam leaps up, grabs a table leg, and pulls with all his might alongside Officer Lin.
Mayor Green claps and hands him a small silver badge. 'You kept everyone safe,' she says.
Xam pins the badge to his shirt and marches down Maple Street.
He helps Miss Ellie find her lost cat, returns a stray ball to a backyard, and waves at every patrol car.
The sun warms his back, and the badge glints in the light.
He marches down Maple Street, head high, the badge shining.