The Lost Balloon

A child held a big red balloon. It was the most beautiful balloon — round and shiny and red like an apple.

The child held the string tightly. But then — a big gust of wind came. Whoooosh!

The string slipped. The balloon flew up, up, up into the sky. Higher and higher. Smaller and smaller. Until it was just a tiny red dot.

The child's eyes filled with tears. "My balloon! It's gone!"

The child sat on the bench, feeling very sad. Tears rolled down.

Then a friend came and sat next to the child. The friend didn't say much at first. Just sat there, close and warm.

"It's okay," the friend said softly. "I know you loved that balloon."

The friend held the child's hand. "We can watch the clouds together. Look — that one looks like a bunny!"

The child looked up. The friend was right. A bunny cloud! The child smiled through the tears.

"Thank you for being here," said the child.

"That's what friends are for," said the friend.

They sat together, watching clouds and holding hands, until the sky turned pink and golden.

Goodnight, dear friends. Goodnight.