Zane hops off his front porch, shoes dangling from one hand, his pockets already bulging with yesterday’s finds. Freckles dot his cheeks beneath wide blue eyes, and his strawberry blonde hair glows in the morning sun. He grins at the grass beneath his feet, ready for another day of collecting tiny wonders.
"I bet I'll find the best stick ever today," he announces to the world.
Zane gently picks up the pebble, turning it over in his hand before slipping it into his pocket. His fingers brush against a tiny caterpillar crawling on a leaf, and he giggles as it tickles his palm.
"Hello, little buddy! You can ride in my leaf boat," he says, carefully setting the caterpillar atop a broad green leaf before adding it to his collection.
Mom shakes her head, smiling at the assortment of rocks, leaves, and the tiny stick Zane had declared “the best.” She lines them up on the counter, marveling at his careful choices.
"Zane, my explorer, you never stop finding treasures," she says with a laugh, handing him his collection.
Morgan, with braids and a big smile, stops to watch. Zane picks up a feather, waving it like a magic wand, and invites her to join.
"Want to see my collection? Each one has a story," he says. The two sit together, trading tales about their favorite finds.
Zane smiles, imagining the endless possibilities that await in the grass and under the bushes. His heart feels light, knowing that every day brings new discoveries.
"Tomorrow, I’ll find something magical," he whispers, drifting off to sleep.
Zane leaps out of bed, pockets empty and ready to be filled. He races outside, barefoot and beaming, with a heart full of curiosity and joy.
"Let’s see what treasures today will bring!"
















