Amina, her hijab sky-blue and embroidered with silver, smiles shyly as she joins the group, her hands folded with anticipation. Next to her, Rivka wears a white blouse with blue embroidery, her curly hair tied back with a ribbon. Morning Star, her braids adorned with tiny feathers and beads, stands tall and curious. Jada, in a dress patterned with bright African motifs, giggles as she tries to copy María's dance steps; María brings the colors of the Dominican flag in her skirt. Zuri, regal in a kente sash, smiles at Mei Ling, who wears a delicate red cheongsam with golden threads. Anya twirls in a blue Russian sarafan, while Yuki bows politely in her pastel Yukata. Each girl’s eyes shine with curiosity and the hope for friendship.
[@ch_1]Amina[/@ch_1_d]"In my village, we play a game called 'Seksek.' It's like hopscotch. Who wants to try first?"[/@ch_1_d]
[@ch_3]Morning Star[/@ch_3_d]"That’s so funny! We play something similar called 'Stick Game.' Maybe we can combine them!"[/@ch_3_d]
[@ch_7]Mei Ling[/@ch_7_d]"In China, we play 'Ti Jian Zi'—we keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air with our feet. Would you like to try?"[/@ch_7_d]
The girls laugh and gently nudge each other, eager to compare the rules and movements of their games.
[@ch_9]Yuki[/@ch_9_d]"In Japan, we play 'Ayatori'—making string figures with our fingers. Let me show you."[/@ch_9_d]
[@ch_4]Jada[/@ch_4_d]"That looks like cat’s cradle! My grandma taught me that, too."[/@ch_4_d]
[@ch_2]Rivka[/@ch_2_d]"And we call it 'Kish Kish.' It's amazing—we all have the same games, just with different names and twists!"[/@ch_2_d]
The girls clap and cheer as each new variation brings fresh surprises and delight.
[@ch_6]Zuri[/@ch_6_d]"I love how we can play together, even if we started in different places."[/@ch_6_d]
[@ch_5]María[/@ch_5_d]"We’re like sisters, learning from each other, growing closer every day."[/@ch_5_d]
[@ch_8]Anya[/@ch_8_d]"Even if we go home, we’ll always have these games to remember each other by."[/@ch_8_d]
The girls lean against each other, their differences woven into a tapestry of friendship.
[@ch_1]Amina[/@ch_1_d]"Let’s teach everyone our games, so more people can be friends, too."[/@ch_1_d]
[@ch_3]Morning Star[/@ch_3_d]"We’ll always be connected, no matter where we are."[/@ch_3_d]
Their laughter rings out, echoing their vow into the evening air.
Hugs are exchanged, and promises of letters and visits are made. The girls walk away in pairs, dark and light hands joined together, their voices fading but their hearts forever changed. The world feels a little smaller, and a lot more loving, because of the games they shared.
