Breeze and the Bronze Serpent
Juni carefully balanced her small, clear fishbowl in the crook of her arm. Inside, Fish swam in happy, lazy circles. Under her other arm, Juni clutched three precious drawings of her favorite imaginary friend, the bronze serpent.
Today was the perfect day for an outdoor adventure. Step by step, Juni marched down the concrete path toward the park. Fish bubbled in agreement, his tiny orange fins waving as they passed the neighborhood gardens.
A sudden, playful gust of wind swooped down from the treetops. It tickled Juni’s nose and swirled around her shoulders. Before she could squeeze her arms tight, the breeze plucked the three drawings right from her grip.
The papers fluttered into the air like giant, white butterflies. Juni gasped, holding Fish extra steady so his water wouldn't spill. "Oh no!" she whispered. "My bronze serpents are flying away for real!"
The first drawing drifted far over a tall wooden fence, disappearing into a backyard. Juni watched it go, feeling a little squeeze in her chest. She had worked so hard on those shiny bronze scales.
The second paper swooped toward a nearby blue house. It sailed right onto the wooden porch, gliding softly across the floorboards. It stopped directly in front of a very sleepy, very fluffy dog who was napping in the shade.
Dog let out a heavy, rumbling sigh in his sleep. He began to roll over, his big paws twitching. He was about to flop his heavy body right on top of Juni's beautiful artwork.
Juni scrambled up the porch steps as fast as her sneakers could carry her. "Wait, sweet pup!" she cried out softly, trying not to startle him. "Please don't squish the serpent's amber eyes!"
Dog’s ears perked up. He opened one sleepy eye, then the other. He looked down at the paper beneath his nose, then up at Juni. With a gentle sniff, he nudged the drawing with his wet black nose.
Juni let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She knelt down, placing Fish's bowl safely on a sturdy wooden side table. "Thank you for saving my picture," she said, giving Dog a gentle pat on his soft head.
Just then, the third drawing landed with a soft plop right in the middle of the grassy park across the street. Dog stood up, stretched his front legs, and gave a low, happy bark. He was ready to help.
Dog trotted down the steps and picked up the second drawing gently in his mouth, holding it by the very edge. Juni gathered Fish's bowl, and together they marched into the park like a grand rescue team.
Juni spread out her bright Picnic Blanket under the shade of a giant oak tree. She placed Fish's bowl right in the center. Dog carefully dropped his drawing onto the teal checks, then plopped down beside it with a happy pant.
Juni retrieved the final drawing from the grass and laid it down too. They only had two left, but they were perfect. She sat close to her friends, sharing her quiet happiness. "This is the best picnic ever," she whispered.
Suddenly, Fish blew a giant, perfect bubble that floated up and popped right on Dog’s wet nose. Dog let out a massive, rumbling sneeze that sent both drawings flying into the air all over again, making Juni laugh out loud.
