The air smelled like popcorn and cotton candy. David could hear kids laughing and shouting from the distance. Today was the annual Fall Festival at the park, and David was ready for an adventure! He held his mom's hand tight as they crossed the street, his other hand clutching his trusty companion, Yuna, a stuffed dinosaur.
As they got closer to the playground, a strange chill ran down David's spine. The laughter seemed to fade, and the wind rustled the leaves, making them sound like whispers. He squeezed Yuna’s hand a little tighter.
“What’s wrong, David?” his mom asked, looking down at him.
“Do you think... do you think playgrounds can be haunted?” he whispered back, his eyes wide.
His mom laughed. "Of course not! It's just the wind playing tricks on you. But you know what? There’s a special kind of magic in playgrounds. It’s called courage! You face your fears and have fun. That's what makes playgrounds so exciting!”
David took a deep breath and tried to be brave. He remembered what his mom said about courage, how it meant acting even when you’re scared. He decided to be courageous, even though the hairs on the back of his neck still stood on end.
He ran towards a giant, twisty slide that looked like a dragon. As he climbed the steps, he heard a voice.
“Lost, little one?”
David spun around. Standing behind him was a woman with a pointy hat decorated with sparkling stars. She had kind eyes and a mischievous smile.
"Are you... a witch?" David asked, his eyes wide.
The woman chuckled. “Why, yes I am! But don't worry, I only use my magic for good. I help those who are lost or need a bit of courage." She winked at him. "Especially on this spooky day!”
David decided he liked this witch. He told her he wasn’t lost, but he was a little scared. The witch smiled again.
"Ah, fear is a tricky beast," she said, "But with a little courage, you can tame it! Now, go on and enjoy the slide! I hear it whispers secrets to the brave."
Taking a deep breath, David zoomed down the slide. The wind whipped through his hair, and he laughed, feeling braver already. At the bottom, he saw a group of kids giggling and pointing at a tree.
Curiosity outweighed his fear. He walked towards them and saw the most amazing sight! Carved into the tree trunk was a tiny door, barely big enough for a squirrel. But as David watched, the door swung open, revealing a swirling, glittery portal.
“Whoa,” David whispered, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. Could this be real?
“Want to see where it goes?” one of the kids asked.
David looked at the portal, then at Yuna. He knew his mom wouldn’t want him to go. But the witch was right – courage meant facing his fears. And besides, how could he resist an adventure like this?
Taking Yuna’s hand, he stepped towards the shimmering portal…
