Maya[/@ch_1] as she concentrates, her fingers pointed at a stubborn juice box.] "Focus, Maya. The juice is the mountain. I am the wind." The juice box remains immobile, its bright label reflecting the sunlight. Leo, calm and attentive, sits nearby sketching superheroes in the dirt with a stick. "Maybe the juice isn't thirsty to move yet?" "It's not working, Leo! I'm supposed to be 'Super Maya.' But I can barely wiggle a straw. What kind of superpower is that?" "My mom says powers are like seeds. You have to water them with practice."

Mr. Barkley, the very round Golden Retriever, is wedged halfway up the slide, his tail barely visible. Kid 1 shouts as others whisper and point. "He’s stuck! He’s really, really stuck!" Maya and Leo sprint over, scanning the slide. The adults' hands are too big, and the slide too narrow for anyone to reach inside. "Mr. Barkley! Don't worry, the hero is here!" "If we pull him by the collar, it might hurt. We need to... slide him up and out the top?" "I have to lift him. But he’s way heavier than a juice box."

Maya[/@ch_1] kneels, closing her eyes and stretching her arms. The park quiets, anticipation thick in the air. A faint purple shimmer begins to form around Mr. Barkley.] "Okay, Barkley. You’re light as a feather. You’re a cloud. You’re a balloon." The children watch, wide-eyed, as the purple glow intensifies. Leo grips his sketchpad, hope flickering in his smile. "You’re doing it, Maya! Look!" Sweat beads on Maya's forehead as she nudges the air with her hands. Slowly, Mr. Barkley levitates an inch off the slide, his paws dangling softly.

Maya[/@ch_1] guides Mr. Barkley up the curve of the slide. With a gentle WHOOSH, he pops out of the top entrance and lands safely on the platform, tail wagging.] "Up... and... around!" Mr. Barkley wiggles, barking happily as the kids cheer. The sunlight catches the purple shimmer as it fades, leaving excitement and relief in its wake. Mr. Barkley bounds down to lick Maya's face, slobbering joy onto her cape. Laughter ripples through the group as they gather around.

Maya[/@ch_1], admiration shining in their eyes. Kid 1 stares in awe, hands pressed to cheeks.] "Whoa! Maya, that was awesome! You moved a whole dog!" "I guess I just needed a bigger reason than a juice box to try hard." "So, are you going to fly us to the ice cream truck now?" "Let's start with moving the coins out of my pocket first. Baby steps, Leo. Baby steps." The children burst into laughter, racing toward the sidewalk as the upbeat "Supergirl" music swells, capes fluttering and faces lit with hope.