Zara hums a bouncy tune while tipping her blue pitcher over the balcony garden. A sudden splash of water flips a green leaf upside down, revealing a shiny red ladybug asleep underneath. She stops her song and leans in close to watch the tiny bug.
She changes her tune to a soft whisper-hum and tilts the pitcher again, but no water comes out. She gives the plastic container a quick shake, listening to the hollow rattle echoing inside. Tapping her chin, she nods, determined to give her little garden friend a proper morning shower.
Zara runs to the kitchen, fills the pitcher to the very top, and hurries back outside. Cool water sloshes over the sides, leaving dark, wet speckles on the hot concrete tiles. She flashes a wide, toothy grin as she carefully tilts the spout to give the ladybug a cool drink.
Leaving the green leaves dripping and fresh, Zara swings her bright yellow bag onto her shoulders and marches onto the bustling sidewalk. The street is loud with rumbling engines and the sweet smell of warm bakery muffins. She skips right over the cracks in the pavement, humming her bouncy tune louder than before to match the city noise.
A giant, joyful "HELLO!" booms over the rattle of a passing bus. Zara spins around and sees her friend sprinting down the block, holding out a massive, bright yellow sunflower. She claps her hands together, laughing out loud at the amazing surprise.
Zara waves back and leans in to sniff the dusty, sweet center of the big flower. Her friend links arms with her, and they stomp forward in time to her bouncy morning song. With her shiny yellow bag swinging, they march together straight toward the tall school gates.
