

Lily was a fearful girl. She did not like loud noises, big dogs, or new places. She liked to stay at home with her mom and dad and play with her dolls. But today was her birthday, and her mom and dad had a surprise for her. They said they were going to a party with her friends from school.
Lily did not want to go to a party. She was afraid of the other kids, who might laugh at her or take her toys. She was afraid of the balloons, which might pop and make a loud bang. She was afraid of the cake, which might have nuts or raisins that she did not like. She cried and begged her mom and dad to let her stay at home, but they said no. They said the party would be fun and that she would have a good time.
They put her in the car and drove to the party. Lily hid her face in her mom's lap and hoped the party would be over soon. When they arrived, she saw a big sign that said "Happy Birthday Lily!" and a lot of kids running and playing in the yard. She also saw a big slide, a bounce house, and a clown. She felt even more fearful and clung to her mom's hand.
"Look, Lily, there's your friend Sam!" her dad said, pointing to a boy who waved at her. "He's waiting for you to play with him. Why don't you go and say hi?"
Lily shook her head and buried her face in her mom's shoulder. She did not want to play with Sam or anyone else. She wanted to go home.
"Come on, Lily, don't be shy," her mom said, gently nudging her. "Sam is a nice boy. He has a present for you. See, he's holding a big box with a bow. Maybe it's something you like."
Lily peeked at the box and felt a little curious. She wondered what was inside. She liked presents. Maybe Sam was not so bad after all. She let go of her mom's hand and walked slowly towards Sam.
"Hi, Lily, happy birthday!" Sam said, smiling. "I have a present for you. Do you want to open it?"
Lily nodded and took the box from Sam. She tore off the paper and opened the lid. Inside was a big, fluffy, pink ball. Lily gasped and smiled. She loved balls. She hugged the ball and thanked Sam.
"Do you want to play with me?" Sam asked. "We can roll the ball, or bounce it, or throw it. It's fun!"
Lily nodded again and followed Sam to the yard. They rolled the ball, bounced it, and threw it. They laughed and had fun. Lily forgot about her fears and enjoyed the party. She made new friends, ate cake, and slid down the slide. She even let the clown make her a balloon animal. She was not fearful anymore. She was happy.
