Eva's hand held tightly to the strangers as the river roared beneath them.

For a minute, it felt like time had slowed down.

She felt herself being lifted upward, her feet kicking as she dangled above the rising

flood.

Then she felt her feet land on dry ground as she stood there soaked and shivering.

The stranger was already crouched beside her.

Are you okay? They asked softly.

Whoever this person was, their voice was gentle and friendly.

And finally, she saw them clearly.

It was another kid, just like her.

Same age, maybe even the same height.

Their clothes were muddy, their hair stuck to their forehead,

and they had a sketchbook clutched tight to their chest. Yeah, I think I'm okay, Eva said.

They sat in silence for a moment as they both caught their breath. Then, even though she was still shivering, she smiled.

Hey, you're the one who's been drawing. The other kid looked down shyly and smiled. Yeah, it's me.

And they both laughed. My name's Ava, she said. I'm Tommy, the kid replied.

And just like that, the valley didn't feel so lonely anymore.

Tommy stood further ahead and said,

Come on, there's a hollow tree up ahead where we can wait until the rain stops.

The two kids walked through the forest as the rain kept coming down. Eventually,

they came to a huge old tree and just like Tommy said, there was a big hollow space inside,

almost like a small room. They stood there together and listened to the storm outside as it passed overhead.

...