Chairs became planets. Paper stars fluttered overhead. “Rocket launch!” shouted Z.
Z zoomed past the teacher and friends. “Whoosh!” Paper planets spun across the floor.
Z laughed and wiggled through the mission. BOOM! The drum sounded, and blocks tumbled like space rocks.
The pretend rocket bumped a cushion stack. The cushions wobbled, then flopped down. “Uh-oh,” thought Z.
Z sprang up to rejoin the mission. The teacher pointed to a quiet landing spot. Outside, a whistle chirped.
Z sat on the floor mark. One slow breath in. Then Z blew toward a feather.
The feather scooted across the floor. Z watched it travel until the rocket sounds faded.
Z took one more slow breath and lowered the pretend rocket. “Ready to land,” thought Z.
Z walked back to the game. Gentle feet crossed the classroom. “Whoosh,” whispered the rocket.
The game rolled on with laughing, running fun. Z joined the crew, ready for every landing.
