Cody and Bailey were playing on the playground. They were having so much fun playing with Bailey's new ball. It's given by her father.
But then a group of fifth graders came.
The leader spoke.
"Hey! Can I have that ball?"
Cody: Actually we're still playing with it. You can borrow it later.
Leader: I think I made myself clear. I. want. That. Ball.
* Not sensing the threat *
Bailey: But we're playing with it.
Leader: We asked you nicely!
* as they were getting ready to tackle Bailey, Cody got in the way. *
Cody fell on the hard ground.
Bailey just dropped the ball and ran to Cody.
Bailey: Why'd you do that?
Leader: Well we asked you nicely.
Bailey: Just look at what you done to him.
Leader: Whatever. Come 'on guys this isn't even fun anymore.
Bailey: Does it hurt Cody?
Cody: It doesn't hurt that much.
* Cody's nose crinkled *
Bailey: You're lying! Why did you do that? Come on let's get you to the nurse.
Bailey helped Cody get up.
As they were walking in the hallway,
"That really hurts" Cody said.
"It should've been me you know" Bailey said in a sad way.
"Yeah. I know. That's why I got in the way. I couldn't let them hurt my best friend! As long as I'm here, I won't let anybody hurt you!" Cody said the last sentence in a heroic way.
"Hahaha. I guess you're my hero. But thanks for saving my butt back there." Bailey said with a genuine smile.
"But I'm serious! I'll always protect you. What are best friends for right?" Cody said.
"Yeah. And I'll be here for you too." Bailey said.