cover
In the park sandbox on a sunny morning, Jake kneels beside a towering sandcastle, planting a small red flag on its peak. Opposite him, Mia stands with a wide smile and raised hands, bright sunlight warming their excited faces.
Mia and Jake were best friends. They did everything together. One sunny morning, they built a tall sandcastle at the park. "This is the best castle ever!" Mia cheered. Jake added a flag on top. "We make a great team," he said with a big smile. They high-fived and laughed. The sun felt warm on their faces. It was a perfect day to spend with a best friend.
At the playground on a late afternoon, Mia sits on a swing, arms crossed and eyes downcast. A short distance away, Jake drives a soccer ball toward an empty goal; long shadows stretch between them, emphasizing their lonely frowns.
The next day, Mia wanted to play on the swings. But Jake wanted to play soccer. "Swings are more fun!" Mia said. "No, soccer is better!" Jake replied. They both frowned and crossed their arms. Neither would change their mind. Mia walked to the swings alone. Jake kicked his soccer ball by himself. The playground felt lonely. They both missed each other already.
Inside the bright but echoing school cafeteria at noon, Mia sits alone at a long table, staring sadly at an untouched sandwich on her tray. Across the room, Jake glances over from his own table, his half-eaten lunch forgotten.
At lunch, Mia sat quietly. Her sandwich didn't taste good without Jake to share jokes with. Across the room, Jake ate alone too. He remembered how Mia always made him laugh. "I miss my best friend," Mia whispered. Jake felt the same way. He realized that playing together was more important than what they played. Friends matter more than games. Both decided to say sorry.
On the playground field under a vivid blue after-school sky, Mia and Jake hug beside the swing set, smiling broadly. A soccer ball rests at their feet, and golden sunlight bathes their relieved faces and the surrounding grass.
After school, Mia and Jake ran to each other. "I'm sorry I was stubborn," said Mia. "Me too," Jake replied. "Let's play both!" They took turns on the swings and played soccer together. Everything was fun again when they were together. They learned that real friends forgive each other. "Best friends forever?" Mia asked. "Forever and always," Jake promised. They hugged and smiled under the bright blue sky.