Steven the peacock strutted by the garden gate. Jackson forgot to latch it after feeding the chickens. Steven tilted his blue head, peeked outside, and spread his tail feathers wide. 'Ooooh!' squealed Oliver, pointing. With a proud squawk, Steven trotted right through the gap. 'Steven's out!' shouted William, dropping his ball. Maigan looked up from the garden and gasped. The great escape had begun, and nobody was ready to catch him!

Steven zigzagged across the yard, feathers bouncing like a rainbow. Liam dropped his hose and chased after him. 'Come back, silly bird!' he laughed. Steven hopped onto the picnic table, knocking over a basket of apples. William giggled and grabbed a blanket to help catch him. Jackson ran one way, Oliver toddled the other, clapping happily. Steven just squawked louder, hopping down and dashing toward the flower patch, tail feathers trailing behind like a cape.

Steven zoomed through Maigan's tulips, scattering petals everywhere. 'Not my flowers!' Maigan cried, hurrying after him with a bucket. William tiptoed quietly behind a bush, trying to sneak close. Liam crept the other way, arms wide like a goalie. Steven froze between them, feathers puffed up proudly. Oliver toddled over, holding out a shiny apple slice. Steven's head twitched, curious. Slowly, carefully, he stepped toward the little boy instead of running away.

Steven nibbled the apple right from Oliver's tiny hand. 'Good birdie,' Oliver giggled. Liam scooped Steven up gently while Jackson latched the gate tight this time. William cheered, and Maigan laughed, brushing petals from her hair. 'That was some escape, Steven,' she said, shaking her head. Steven ruffled his feathers proudly, as if agreeing. Everyone shared the last apple slices together, happy their mischievous peacock was finally, safely home.