Article: Maria Elena's secret. (short story)

"I hate hand-me-downs," Maria Elena said to herself as she pulled the faded yellow dress over her head. She pulled on her dusty sneakers and tied the broken laces as best she could.

"Hurry up, Maria," her mother called. "The bus will be here soon."

Maria Elena pulled her dark brown hair back and fastened it with a barrette. Then she ran through the living room and out the screen door. She hurried to a gnarled oak tree in front of her house.

He's still there, Maria thought as she watched a tiny creature working between the branches. She smiled as she gazed at the dewdrops that sparkled on his handiwork.

"Maria!" her mother shouted and ...

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