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Afternoon sunlight bathes a grassy park. Nela with long black hair kicks a bright red ball toward smiling Maya near a leafy oak.
Nela, a seven-year-old with long black hair, spotted a girl at the park. 'Hi, I'm Nela,' she said. 'I'm Maya,' the girl smiled. They kicked a ball together. Laughter bounced like sunshine.
Dappled sunshine filters through a park tree onto a wooden picnic table. Nela and Maya color a large castle, crayons scattered across the paper.
They raced to the swings. 'Your hair shines,' Maya said. 'Thanks,' Nela giggled. 'Want to draw?' Nela asked. 'Yes, let's draw a castle!' Crayons colored their afternoon.
Bright noon light floods the playground sandbox beside a slippery slide. Nela plants a ribbon flag atop their towering sandcastle while Maya kneels holding a yellow bucket.
They built the tallest sandcastle near the slide. 'Bucket, please!' Nela called. Maya handed it carefully. Waves of kids hurried past. 'Let's add a flag,' Maya said. Nela's ribbon fluttered proudly.
Late-afternoon shadows stretch across a park bench. Maya, arms crossed and frowning, stares at a smudged drawing while apologetic Nela leans over the paper.
Later, Nela's sleeve smudged Maya's drawing. 'Oh no!' Maya gasped. 'I'm sorry,' Nela whispered. They both froze, quiet as feathers. 'Can we fix it?' Nela asked. Maya crossed arms, thinking.
Soft sunset glows over a picnic blanket on the grass. Side by side, Nela and Maya blend crayons into a rainbow, smiling at the renewed drawing.
Maya breathed deep. 'We can make it a rainbow,' she said. 'Great idea!' Nela smiled. Together they blended colors carefully. 'I like it better now,' Maya admitted. They hugged, worries melting.
Rain streaks the living-room window in muted afternoon light. Inside a blanket-draped pillow fort, flashlight-lit Nela salutes while giggling Maya grips a cushion 'wheel'.
Rain tapped the windows. 'Want a fort?' Nela asked. 'Yes, captain!' Maya saluted. They stacked pillows and draped blankets. 'This is our ship,' Nela declared. Together they sailed imaginary storms, giggling.
Golden evening sun hits the backyard fence where a 'Talent Show Friday' flyer flutters. Nela claps a counting beat as Maya holds a mid-spin pose on the grass.
A school flyer fluttered. 'Talent show Friday!' Nela read. 'Let's do a dance,' Maya suggested. They practiced steps in the yard. 'Spin, jump, clap!' Nela counted. Sneakers squeaked a cheerful rhythm.
Dim amber footlights spill behind heavy stage curtains. Nervous Nela stands with wobbling knees while Maya gently squeezes her hand.
On stage day, Nela's knees wobbled. 'I'm scared,' she whispered. Maya squeezed her hand. 'We'll dance together,' Maya said. Nela breathed slow. 'Okay,' she nodded, finding courage beside her friend.
Harsh overhead bulbs illuminate cluttered backstage racks. Bare-wristed Nela points accusingly at Maya's pocket while hurt Maya steps back amid hanging costumes.
Backstage, Nela noticed her bracelet missing. 'My friendship bracelet!' she cried. She glanced at Maya's pocket. 'Did you take it?' Nela blurted. Maya stepped back, hurt. Silence felt heavy.
Soft blue work-lights glow behind a side curtain. Nela kneels, retrieving her sparkling bracelet from the floor as relieved Maya points toward it.
A sparkle winked beneath the slide curtain. 'Look!' Maya pointed. Nela crawled and grabbed the bracelet. 'I'm sorry I accused you,' she said. 'I forgive you,' Maya answered. Their smiles returned, bright.
Colorful spotlights sweep the theater stage. Beaming Nela and Maya bow together toward a clapping, silhouette audience.
Music began. 'Ready?' Maya whispered. 'Ready,' Nela replied. They danced like fluttering kites. The crowd clapped in waves. 'We did it!' they cheered, bowing together, hearts thumping happily.
Warm lamplight fills a cozy bedroom. Nela and Maya sit opposite, carefully braiding matching friendship bracelets and sharing quiet smiles.
Afterward, they braided matching bracelets. 'Best friends forever,' Maya said. 'Always,' Nela promised. They clicked bracelets together like stars. Whatever came next, they knew teamwork, kindness, and honesty would guide them.