The Kite Over the Market

1. NarratorOn Saturday morning, Zara took her new red kite to the park. Her friend Kofi came too.
2. ZaraLook at the wind! It is perfect for flying.
3. NarratorShe ran across the grass. The kite lifted slowly, then it rose high into the blue sky.
4. KofiIt is the best kite I have ever seen!
5. NarratorBut then the string slipped through Zara's fingers. The kite sailed over the fence and away.
6. ZaraOh no! It is going towards the market!
7. NarratorThe two friends ran out of the park and down the hill. The market was full of people, stalls and noise. Zara saw the kite over the fruit stalls, dancing in the wind.
8. KofiFollow it! It is going left!
9. NarratorThey pushed between the shoppers, saying sorry again and again. The kite dipped low, then caught on a green awning above the stall of an old stallholder.
10. StallholderGood morning! Is that your kite up there?
11. ZaraYes, it is! Please, can we get it down?
12. StallholderI have a stepladder. Let me see what I can do.
13. NarratorHe brought out a tall wooden ladder and put it on the pavement.
14. StallholderYoung lady, can you hold the ladder for me? I am a bit old for climbing.
15. ZaraOf course. I will hold it tight.
16. NarratorKofi watched the string. The stallholder climbed up one step at a time. His fingers reached the kite and, very carefully, he lifted it off the awning.
17. StallholderThere! No damage at all.
18. NarratorHe climbed down and gave Zara the kite. A small crowd had stopped to watch. Everybody clapped.
19. ZaraThank you so much. How can I thank you?
20. StallholderCome back and tell me when you fly it again. And take some apples, one for each of you.
21. KofiThis is the nicest market in the city.
22. NarratorThey ate their apples on the way back to the park. This time, Zara tied the string around her wrist.
23. ZaraNow it cannot escape.
24. KofiNext time, I will hold the other end!

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