Izzy Garcia jogged beside her friends, Fern and Alex, enjoying the rare peace. "It's nice not having to worry about Earth for once," Izzy remarked, smiling as the sun warmed her face.
Alex didn't see it, and before anyone could warn him, he slipped with a yelp, hitting the ground hard. Izzy immediately turned back, worry etched on her face. "Don't worry about me, you and Fern can still win," Alex insisted, but Izzy was already kneeling beside him.
Izzy cleaned the wound with care, her hands gentle yet efficient. "You're my best friend, I'm not leaving you behind," she said, pressing a plaster onto the injury. With a determined nod, she hoisted Alex onto her back, and together with Fern, they continued their jog.
"You're amazing, Izzy," Fern said, admiration clear in her voice. As they crossed the line, the referee approached, initially frowning. But then, the truth of the banana peel incident came to light.
The referee glared at the guilty jogger. "This behavior is unacceptable," he declared, ensuring everyone understood the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Izzy stood with her friends, her heart pounding, uncertain of the outcome.
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," Izzy said, her voice strong and genuine. Fern leaned over, kissing her softly. "That's why I love you," she whispered, "because you never leave a friend behind." Together, they walked away, their bond stronger than ever.
















