Stella's Garden: Growing Friendship, Growing Strong

Stella adjusted her pastel pink apron with the white cupcake patterns as she watched Dino drag his feet across the playground. Her honey-brown eyes filled with concern.

"Want to play jump-rope?" she called out cheerfully.

Dino flopped down under a shady tree. "Too tired," he mumbled.

Stella's tail swished, the yellow ribbon catching the sunlight. She'd noticed this all week. During tag, Dino couldn't run fast. During climbing, he gave up halfway. Something was wrong with her best friend.

She trotted over and sat beside him, her sturdy legs folding beneath her compact body. "Did you eat breakfast?"

"Just cookies," Dino admitted. "And yesterday I had cake for lunch."

"What about vegetables?" Stella asked gently.

Dino wrinkled his nose. "Vegetables are yucky! They're boring and taste like nothing."

Stella touched the golden heart-shaped locket around her neck, thinking hard. She'd never seen Dino this weak before. Her friend needed help, but how could she show him without pushing?

Just then, Dino tried to stand but stumbled. "Whoa!" He sat back down quickly. "I feel dizzy."

Stella's plates stood a little straighter with worry. This was worse than she thought.