The Smile on the Steps

Fifi and Momo were skipping down the sidewalk toward the park. A giant moving truck rumbled outside the house with the blue shutters.

Momo tilted his head. 'Why is that girl sitting all by herself on the steps?' he asked. Fifi looked at the girl, who was hugging a stuffed bunny and watching boxes go inside. 'She’s new, ’ Fifi whispered. 'I bet she doesn’t know anyone yet.'

Fifi took a deep breath and walked over, with Momo hiding behind her legs. The truck made a loud BEEP, and Momo jumped.

But then Momo sniffed the girl’s shoe. The girl giggled. “Hi, I’m Fifi, and this is Momo. Do you want to see the butterfly garden at the park?” The girl’s eyes grew wide. “Really? I love butterflies!”

The girl’s mom called her inside to unpack. “I’m Lily! I’ll meet you tomorrow after breakfast!” Lily waved from the front door, her bunny tucked under her arm.

Fifi waved back, feeling warm inside. Momo wagged his tail. As they walked on, Fifi spotted a yellow dandelion by the path and tucked it by Lily’s mailbox for her to find.