Rayden clutched the handles of his brand-new scooter, his small fingers wrapping around the cool metal. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he remembered begging his parents for a 2 wheeled scooter for his birthday. Today was his eighth birthday, and the scooter gleamed under the morning sun, a promise of countless adventures. As he stood there, a mix of excitement and nervousness churned within him.
Asher and Lisa , Rayden's friends, sped by with infectious energy. "Come on, Rayden, catch up!" Lisa called out, her ponytail bouncing behind her. Rayden Rayden's heart raced with the urge to join them, but doubt whispered in his ear. He gulped and placed one foot on the scooter, feeling the unfamiliar wobble beneath him.
Rayden could feel the pavement under his wheels, the sensation thrilling yet intimidating. His balance wavered, and his heart pounded louder than ever. As he tried to keep up with Asher and Lisa , his focus slipped, and suddenly, the world tilted. He tumbled to the ground, the concrete cold against his palms. His face turned red as he dusted off his scraped knee. "Ugh! This is impossible!" he groaned, kicking the scooter in frustration. Just then, Rayden's mother crouched beside him, her eyes twinkling. "Rayden, do you remember what I always say?" Rayden crossed his arms. "That everything is difficult in the beginning…" he grumbled. Mama nodded. "Exactly! But with practice, it becomes easier. Try again, my little warrior!"
With a gentle smile on her face, Rayden's mother helped him up. Her words wrapped around him like a safety net, and he nodded, taking a deep breath.
Raydenhuffed but climbed back onto the scooter. He gripped the handlebars tighter this time. He pushed off—wobble, wobble, wobble—but this time, he stayed upright for a few seconds before hopping off. “Better!” Rayden's mother cheered.
Rayden felt the wind rush past him, a joyous laughter bubbling within. His scooter glided forward—smooth and steady. His heart pounded. He was doing it! The wind tickled his cheeks as he zoomed past the trees. "WOOHOO!" he shouted, grinning from ear to ear. Mama clapped. "See? You conquered your quest!" Rayden threw his fists in the air. He felt like a champion! He caught up with Asher and Lisa, their smiles mirroring his own. "You did it, Rayden!" Lisa exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride. Rayden grinned, knowing that this was just the beginning of many more rides to come.
