Here's another story I make!
＼(^o^)／
It was a bright summer morning in Oakridge, the kind of day when the sun seemed to hang lazily in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything. The small town bustled with the usual summer activities: children playing in the park, families picnicking by the lake, and shopkeepers greeting customers with friendly smiles. It was on this ordinary day that four lives would intertwine in a way that would shape their futures forever.
Rose was ten years old and new to Oakridge. Her family had moved from the city, seeking a quieter life. Rose, however, missed her old friends and the familiar chaos of city life. She wandered through the park, clutching her book tightly, feeling out of place among the laughing children.
Sitting on a bench under a large oak tree, Rose opened her book, hoping to lose herself in the pages. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice a group of three kids approaching until one of them spoke.
"Hey, what are you reading?" a cheerful voice asked.
Startled, Rose looked up to see a girl with curly brown hair and bright green eyes smiling at her. Two other children stood behind her: a tall boy with a baseball cap and a shy girl with long blonde hair.
"It's a book about magic," Rose replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The girl’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Magic? That sounds awesome! I’m Emma, by the way. And these are Daniel and Lily."
Rose managed a small smile. "I'm Rose. We just moved here."
"Welcome to Oakridge, Rose!" Daniel said with a friendly grin. "Do you like baseball? We’re about to play a game if you want to join."
Rose hesitated. She wasn’t very good at sports and worried about fitting in. But Emma’s enthusiasm was contagious.
"Come on, it’ll be fun," Lily encouraged, her voice gentle and kind.
Reluctantly, Rose agreed. They led her to the baseball field, where other kids were already gathered. The game began, and to Rose’s surprise, she found herself enjoying it. Daniel was patient, teaching her how to swing the bat properly, and Emma cheered her on with infectious energy. Lily stood by her side, offering quiet support.
After the game, they all sat in the shade, drinking lemonade and sharing stories. Rose felt a warmth she hadn’t experienced since moving. For the first time in a while, she laughed freely, feeling a sense of belonging.
Over the next few weeks, the four became inseparable. They explored Oakridge together, from the depths of the woods to the hidden nooks of the town. They shared their dreams and fears, creating a bond that grew stronger with each passing day.
They had talked about their dreams late into the night, lying on the grass and staring up at the stars. Emma wanted to travel the world, Daniel dreamed of becoming a doctor, and Lily aspired to be an artist. Rose, with her love of books and magic, had wanted to be a writer.
Years passed, and their friendship deepened. By the time they reached high school, they were known as the inseparable quartet. They faced the ups and downs of teenage life together, always finding strength in their bond.
One fateful day, during their senior year, the friends decided to take a road trip to celebrate the end of their exams. Rose, unfortunately, had come down with a severe flu and had to stay behind. Despite her protests, her friends insisted she rest and promised to bring back stories of their adventure.
"I wish you could come, Rose," Emma said, hugging her tightly before they left.
"Me too," Rose replied, her voice weak. "Take lots of pictures and bring me back something cool."
