Mia clutches her favorite red ball, her cheeks rosy from play. She tosses it high, delight shining in her eyes. The ball arcs through the sky, but as it bounces away, Mia loses sight of it among the tall grass.
Mia[/@ch_1] searches the thick grass, her face clouded with worry. The park feels much quieter now; only the distant call of birds breaks the silence.]
Mia kneels, pushing aside grass and pebbles.
"Where did my ball go? I can't find it anywhere,"
Her lower lip trembles as tears prick her eyes, and she hugs her knees, feeling alone.
Ben[/@ch_2], cheerful and energetic, races over from the swings, his blue cap askew. He is followed by Doggo, a bouncy golden retriever with a wagging tail. The late afternoon sun casts long shadows behind them as they approach.]
"Don't worry, Mia, we'll help you find your ball. Right, Doggo?"
Doggo gives an enthusiastic bark, his nose twitching as he sniffs the air. Ben kneels beside Mia, offering a reassuring smile.
Ben[/@ch_2] peers under bushes, Mia checks behind the slide, and Doggo sniffs determinedly along a winding path.]
"Let's look together—if we all search, we’ll find it much quicker,"
Doggo suddenly perks up, barking and bounding toward a large oak tree, his tail wagging furiously.
Doggo[/@ch_3] noses a patch of thick clover. Something red glimmers amid the green, half-hidden by fallen leaves.]
Mia gasps with hope and rushes over, Ben close behind. She laughs with joy as she spots her ball.
"You found it, Doggo! Thank you so much!"
Mia[/@ch_1], Ben, and Doggo toss the red ball between them, their worries forgotten. The golden light bathes their happy faces as they play together.]
"See, Mia? When we help each other, even hard things become easier—and a lot more fun,"
Mia hugs her friends, her heart full of gratitude. Together, they chase the red ball into the warm glow of the afternoon, their laughter echoing across the park.
