Sula’s Ribbon Surprise — Under the fern-hall bunting, Sula patted her small wrapped box and frowned at the loose bow. One ribbon tail had slipped away. Read the full story →
Under the fern-hall bunting, Sula patted her small wrapped box and frowned at the loose bow. One ribbon tail had slipped away. She wanted the present neat before the candle song, so she tip-tapped past the cake leaves, past the soft balloons, and into the quiet corner where confetti smelled like paper and sweet berry icing.
A silver curl glittered behind the biggest balloon knot. Sula reached up, but the balloon bobbed—boing, boing—and tugged her party hat crooked. “Wait for me,” she whispered. She stood still until the balloon floated low again. There, tucked under the knot, was not just her ribbon but a tiny paper flower from every friend, saved for a secret birthday crown. Sula came back slowly, smiling wider than before, with her box a little wrinkled and her heart very full. Can you spot the bobbing balloon that hid Sula’s patient surprise?
