On a sunny day, Mapula’s mother sent her to the river to fetch water.
As Mapula walked, she met her friends Thabo, Lesedi, Dineo and Karabo playing with mud.
Lesedi asked, “Where are you going, Mapula?”
“I’m going to the river to get water”

Mapula replied.
Lesedi smiled and said, “We’ll go with you!” On their way through the forest, Thabo noticed a trail they had never seen before.
“Let’s take this turn!” he said excitedly.
“No! We’ll get lost,” Dineo warned.

But Thabo insisted, “It looks like a shorter way to the river!”Mapula looked at her friends, and they all nodded in agreement. They took the new trail. As they walked, they saw colorful birds flying past.”Birdie! Birdie!” they chanted,

chasing the birds through the forest.
Suddenly, they stumbled upon a big, beautiful park with benches to rest on. They ran inside and discovered swings, slides, and a sandbox! Dineo and Karabo ran to the swings, swinging higher and higher.

Thabo raced to the slide and zoomed down with a laugh.
Mapula and Lesedi played in the sandbox, building a big sandcastle.

The friends were happy, laughing and playing together.

When the sun began to set, they headed back home and promised never to tell anyone about their magical place.
When Mapula arrived home, her mother said,“Mapula, where have you been? It’s dark outside and you don’t have the water I sent you”

Mapula realized they never made it to the river.“Sorry, Ma. I got distracted and forgot,” she said softly.Her mother sighed.“I’m glad you’re safe, but next time, please follow my instructions.”
Mapula nodded, thinking of the magical day .