Sprocket's Sunny Race

Sprocket Sniffle loved summer park races. He wanted to win the Big Leaf Dash and wear a shiny ribbon. On the hot race day, Sprocket felt his shirt stick to his back—he was sweating a lot! He remembered how sweat is like tiny drops that cool you as they dry, so he slowed to breathe and let his skin breathe too. Halfway through, a tickly breeze blew dust in his nose and suddenly his nose ran. He smiled because he knew his nose makes extra mucus to trap dust and germs and carry them away. Sprocket slowed, wiped his nose, and kept going. He didn't sprint all the way; he used pauses to cool down and clear his nose. At the finish he had a wobbly ribbon and a big grin. He felt proud for listening to his body and finishing with care.