• Once upon a time, there was a story map named Story Map. People mocked him because of his name. He became depressed and everyone was sad because of all the sadness in the air. Story Map walked to the park one day because he was so bored. He saw a little kid swinging on a swing. “Push me!” The little kid cried. “I can’t.” Story Map tried to explain. “Do you even know who I am? I’m Story Map!” The little kid kept smiling. “Well, Story Map, can you push me?” Story Map hung his head. “I’m sorry, little kid, I’m just not cut out for this.” The little kid asked why. “I... I don’t know. It has always been like this.” The little kid’s smile vanished. The swing slowly came to a stop.
    “Hey kid… I’m sorry.” Story Map tried to tell him. The little kid turned to look at him. “I better get going anyway. My mother would probably want me to do dishes.” And with that he walked away. Nothing left showed his presence. All the life was sucked out of the little park on the corner. Night swept over him like a dark and lonely blanket. A single tear went down his cheek. He went over to the swing that was moving just moments ago. He sat down on the little swing and slowly rocked back and forth. He swung for hours. With each swing, he felt better. Each stride was stronger and stronger. The swing was high in the air. He pushed of the little swing with all his might, and flung himself in the air. He landed on his side, and pain shot through him. Tears steadily rain down his cheeks, and Story Map began to laugh. He laughed so hard that his side hurt. He didn’t care. He laughed and laughed, still lying on his side.
    He fell asleep listening to the sound of his laughter, the sound that he had missed. He woke up to a strange sound. Though, it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. He opened his eyes and saw the few trees around him. Then he recognized the beautiful sounds. Birds. He tried to remember the last time he woken up to the sound of birds. He sighed and stretched. Story Map stood up and went back to the small play ground. The little kid! He was back. The little kid’s face brightened up when he saw someone come. “Can you- Oh, hello Story Map…” Story Map shushed him. “I will push you.” The big smile that was supposed to be there was returned. The blanket of darkness was slowly disappearing and returned with brightness. Story Map walked over to the little kid and began to push him. “How do you do it?” Story Map asked. The little kid was confused. “Do what?” Story Map tried to find the right words. “You have sunshine on a cloudy day.” The little kid laughed. “I guess I’m too happy…” Story Map was shocked. “You’re perfect the way you are.” Story Map told him.