Mira Wren set one more plate on the living room floor. “My best friend is here too,” she said.
A spoon clinked. Everyone stopped. Mira Wren pointed beside the couch with a bright, waiting smile.
“Hide-and-seek!” said Mira Wren. “Count with us!”
The family covered their eyes. “One, two, three!” they counted.
Feet thumped down the hall. Mira Wren kept looking back. She left room at each doorway and around each bedroom corner.
First bedroom. Blankets rustled. “Not here,” the family whispered.
Hallway closet. Hangers clicked. “Not here,” they whispered again.
Second bedroom. They looked under the desk. “Not here.”
Then—THUNK! A flowerpot tipped over all by itself in the backyard.
Mira Wren clapped. “You found the best spot!” she shouted.
She led everyone to the gate. But there, the family bunched together and blocked the way.
Mira Wren stopped. “Wait—there has to be space.”
The screen door squeaked. Leaves flickered in the sun. Mira Wren used her arms to place each person apart.
At last, a clear gap opened right in the middle.
Mira Wren walked through with a careful nod to the empty space. The family stepped aside too. “After you,” they said.
Then everyone raced off to hide again. Soon the house rang with counting and laughter, and one extra place stayed open on the couch, at the table, and by the backyard gate.
