Leo's First Big Step

Leo’s paws grip his mother’s skirt tightly. A bright yellow bus honks loudly nearby.

He peeks one eye out. The playground is a colorful explosion of noise and activity.

A bear cub trips near the sandbox. Leo flinches, pulling back into the shadows.

The bear cub looks up with hopeful eyes. The robot gleams under the sun.

Leo steps forward and picks up the cold metal robot. He whispers, 'Hi, I’m Leo.'

The bear offers a sticky apple slice. Leo smiles, taking a crunchy bite.