Smart, Strong, and Brave!

Chapter 2: Growing Stronger

A few weeks later, at lunch, Lily dropped her tray, and food spilled. A boy laughed and teased her. Annie’s tummy felt tight. She wanted to help but was nervous. She thought of Grammy: “You’re brave, Sparky.” Annie said, “Stop it, that’s not nice!” The boy stopped, and Lily smiled. “Thanks, Annie,” she said. Annie felt a little brave. That night, she FaceTimed Grammy from her mom’s house. “I helped Lily when a boy was mean,” Annie said. Grammy nodded. “You stood up for your friend, Sparky! Smart, strong, and brave.”

One day, Annie and Lily went to the park. Lily ran to the monkey bars. “Try it, Annie!” she said. Annie was nervous. The bars were high, and her hands felt sweaty. She remembered Grammy: “You’re brave, Sparky.” Annie grabbed the first bar and swung to the second. She dropped but smiled. Lily clapped. “You did it, Annie!” Annie felt stronger and a bit braver. That night, Grammy called. “I tried the monkey bars, Grammy!” Annie said. Grammy smiled. “That’s my Sparky! Smart, strong, and brave.”

One morning, Annie’s iPad buzzed while she ate her Cheerios. Grammy’s face appeared. “Morning, Sparky!” she said. “Ready for school?” Annie nodded. “I read a book to my class yesterday, Grammy. They clapped!” Grammy said, “That’s my girl! Smart, strong, and brave.” Annie smiled, but the word “brave” made her nervous. Brave people weren’t scared, and she was just Annie.

Grammy’s words stayed with Annie. When Grammy visited, they’d walk to the park, where the swings moved back and forth. Grammy would push her and say, “Look at you go, Sparky!” On FaceTime, she’d smile when Annie showed her a drawing or told her about helping a friend find a pencil. Annie started to feel smart and strong. But brave? She didn’t know if she could be that.