Summer and Maya dug deep into the sun-baked dirt. They dropped a single bumpy seed into the dark, dry hole.
Summer patted the warm soil flat with her palms. She smiled as Maya poured cool water from a bright yellow watering can. "Grow strong," Summer said, setting a ring of white pebbles around their hidden spot.
When autumn arrived, crunchy orange leaves buried the ring of pebbles. Summer frowned at the messy ground. She rigorously brushed the dry, crinkly leaves away from the bare dirt with her hands.
Maya gathered sticks from beneath the big oak trees. Together, they built a tiny tent of twigs over the spot. It would perfectly block the chilly, whistling wind.
Thick, heavy winter snow blanketed the entire park. The freezing icy crust completely hid their little twig tent out of sight.
Summer thought the little seed was lost forever under the ice. She kicked a chunky white crust, looking back at Maya with wide, worried eyes. "It's too cold," Summer whispered, leaving a trail of quiet footprints along the sidewalk.
When the freezing snow finally melted, bright squishy green grass popped out. Summer and Maya sprinted across the warm park lawn to check their special stone circle.
Summer stopped fast and gasped. She pointed a muddy finger straight up. A massive, rainbow-striped flower towered higher than their heads! The giant petals nodded gently in the fresh spring breeze.
The massive blossoms smelled just like sweet, fresh strawberries! Maya laughed out loud, excitedly grabbing Summer's hands to dance a dizzy circle around the incredibly thick, striped stem.
Summer cheered happily, tossing a fun handful of soft, warm dirt into the bright air. The two friends sat beneath the wide, colorful petals, already digging eagerly for a spot to plant a brand new seed.
