The Shade Parade for a Melty Friend

Starring Ice Cream Man

The sun sizzled, and the Ice Cream Man whispered, "I’m getting drippy!" His cherry eyes gleamed, and hot fudge beads tickled down his cheeks. "I’ll help," said Maya, feeling worried and brave, so she guided him toward a big tree’s shade. The sweet smell of vanilla and strawberry followed like a soft cloud.

Under the tree, Maya said, "We’ll make a shade tent!" She mapped the moving shadows with chalk, then propped umbrellas and a blanket like a cozy roof. A sprinkler popped on, which made the blanket flop and a sticky puddle form, costing time and making a mess. "I’m sorry," Maya sighed, wiping syrupy grass with napkins.

A hot gust blew, and the sun peeked out stronger; his cherries slid, and he gasped, "Help!" Maya made a new plan fast: "Ice packs to the fountain!" She lined icy packs like blue stepping stones and set a metal tray as a cool sled, so he scooted along, shivering sweetly toward the mist.

Cool mist kissed him, and the swirls firmed up again. "We did it!" Maya cheered, then cleaned the sticky spot by the tree, which fixed the mess and her promise. The Ice Cream Man tipped his waffle-cone hat and said, "Smart and kind!" Under the gentle shade, they shared the quiet drip of the fountain and a cool, happy feeling.